One in four residents in Belfast (26%), Edinburgh (24%), and Brighton (24%) have been targeted by doorstep scammers over the last year, research has found.
A poll of 2,000 adults found that 22% feel their neighbourhood has seen an increase in scammers since March 2022 – with 15% of the population having been targeted during this time.
The top types of scams that are on the rise include fraudsters trying to sell goods at an inflated price, or falsely claiming to represent energy firms (both 26%) – and 17% have also reported dodgy contractors as increasingly common.
During the last 12 months, the average adult has been targeted four times – losing an average of £171 each time, just for answering the door.
And the research, commissioned by smart home security company, Ring, found 21% of the population know someone who had been the victim of an attempted scam or suspected scam in the last 12 months.
Elderly parents (38%) and elderly neighbours (26%) are the ones adults are most worried about falling victim to a doorstep scam.
Dave Ward, managing director EU & international at Ring, said: "With the rise of doorstep scams in our neighbourhoods across the UK, we understand family and friends are worried about loved ones being targeted, particularly those who are older or vulnerable.
"With this in mind, we aim to provide an extra layer of protection with our technology, for those wanting to deter unwanted visitors or scammers."
The study also found that 21% of those living in Bristol, and 19% of Londoners, have been targeted by scammers over the last year.
TOP 10 UK CITIES TARGETED BY DOORSTEP SCAMMERS:
- Belfast
- Edinburgh
- Brighton
- Bristol
- London
- Newcastle
- Manchester
- Liverpool
- Glasgow
- Plymouth
TOP TIPS TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM OF DOORSTEP SCAMMERS – from Independent Age, a UK charity which provides support for older people:
- Be cautious – never let anyone you don’t know and don’t trust into your home.
- Install a video doorbell – having one with a camera means you can see who’s at the door and enables you to speak to them, before deciding whether to open the door.
- Always check ID – you can call the company if you’re unsure. Don’t call the number on the caller’s ID, as it may belong to another scammer. You should look in the phone book or on the company’s website.
- If you have a video doorbell or other smart home security system, you can give trusted family members access to it.
- Join a neighbourhood group – this could be as simple as a WhatsApp group, or going to community events, but getting to know your neighbours is a great way to be up to date on the issues impacting the community around you.
- Put up a "NO COLD CALLERS" sign – if you have one up, people who represent a genuine company will not knock on your door. This way, you know to be suspicious of anyone who does knock on your door trying to sell you something, or claiming to be from a company you get a service from.
- Call the police on 101 if you're suspicious or feel threatened.
