The Knock at the Door: Spotting Plausible Cons Before They Step Inside

There appears to have been a noticeable rise in confident, convincing doorstep approaches over the past 8-9 months. They are not always loud or obvious. In fact, the most effective ones feel routine, neighbourly, even helpful. That is what makes them work.

One recent example involved a man calling to say a chimney was “falling down” and that he would also speak to the neighbour. A quick request for a contact card ended the interaction when he walked away without providing one. A simple follow up with the neighbour, who has a video doorbell, confirmed the same man had passed the property twice and had not knocked there at all. That small check turned a plausible story into a clear red flag.

Another local example involved an 18 year old at home alone. A man knocked and demanded entry, saying a neighbour had repoted smelling gas and he needed access. This is a classic use of urgency and fear around gas or safety. A previous case from the same household involved a caller claiming to be from the water board, wanting to test the water inside. The door stayed shut and that was the correct decision.

These situations feel believable because they borrow from real life risks. Chimneys can be unsafe. Gas can be dangerous. Utilities do test things, but normally inform customers beforehand Good neighbours do keep an eye out. The trick is that legitimate work always comes with clear identification, prior notice where appropriate, and no one should feel any pressure to let a stranger inside on the spot.

Below are further examples of how these approaches can sound entirely reasonable while still being a con. Each one relies on a simple human reaction such as wanting to fix a problem, avoid danger, or be helpful.

1. A caller says there has been a recent burglary on the lane and offers to “check your locks” right now, free of charge, with a quick upsell for new cylinders once inside.
2. Someone claims they are from the council and that there is an issue with the drains affecting several houses. They need to run taps and inspect under the sink to “trace the problem”.
3. A man in high visibility clothing says he is checking roof tiles after the recent winds and has already spotted a loose ridge tile from the street. He can fix it today for cash and prevent water damage.
4. A woman says she is from the electric company and needs to check the meter because of “irregular readings” on the account. She asks to come in to take a quick look.
5. A pair of callers say they are doing a “free insulation survey” for a government scheme. They need to access the loft immediately to confirm eligibility.
6. A man says he is from a courier firm and needs a signature for a parcel addressed to a neighbour. He asks to step inside while he sorts the paperwork.
7. A caller says there is a water leak on the street and he needs to shut off internal stop taps in several houses to isolate it. He asks to come in to locate yours.
8. A person claims to be from a pest control company working with the council and warns of rats in the area. They need to inspect kitchens and external access points.
9. Someone says they are updating TV or broadband lines and need to check your connection indoors, offering to “boost the signal” while they are there.
10. A caller says they are from a charity collecting items today and asks to come in to help carry out bags and “sort through quickly” for what can be taken.

Each of these sounds ordinary on the surface. Each uses a reason that feels familiar. The consistent signs to watch are simple and practical.

• No clear company identification that can be verified on the spot.
• No prior appointment or written notice for work that would normally be scheduled.
• Pressure to act immediately, often linked to safety, damage, or a limited time offer.
• Requests for cash or to go to a cashpoint.
• Reluctance to provide a business card, landline number, or official email address.
• Inconsistent stories between neighbours or properties on the same street.

The safest response is straightforward and calm. Keep the door closed. Speak through the door or a window. Ask for identification and a verifiable contact. Take a name and company and say you will call the official number yourself to confirm. Genuine callers will understand and will not object to you verifying. If in doubt, do not let anyone inside.

It also helps to keep neighbours connected, just as many already do. A quick message to a neighbour can confirm whether anyone else has been approached. Doorbell cameras and shared awareness make a real difference because they turn a single story into a pattern that can be checked.

If anyone tried to coerce you into letting them in, close the door and call the police to report. It’s also worth reminding vulnerable people of these issues in a kind way – you don’t want to scare them, but sometimes we all need a reminder.