Doorstep scams

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I would like to please request information regarding doorstep scams involving individuals falsely claiming to represent broadband, internet, telecommunications or other communications providers.

Please provide the following information for the period 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2025:

1. The total number of reports or complaints received by your Trading Standards service relating to doorstep scams involving individuals falsely claiming to represent broadband, internet, telecommunications or other communications providers.

2. Where available, please provide a breakdown of these reports and complaints by:

- The number of reports or complaints received per calendar year

- The number of consumers who reported suffering a financial loss

- The total value of reported financial losses

- The number of fines or other financial penalties issued

- The total value of fines or other financial penalties issued

If possible, please provide any demographic information recorded about the consumers targeted, such as age group or other relevant characteristics.

1. In total there have been 5 doorstep crime/cold calling complaints, whereby a broadband/telecoms company attended a consumer’s address in person to sell to them at their door.

Complaints do not make it clear whether this is believed to be individuals impersonating a company as opposed to unwanted but legitimate salespeople. There were a further 27 telephone company impersonation scams however these have been conducted over the phone, not via the doorstep. These complaints are all detailed below, separated into ‘Doorstep’ and ‘Telephone’. Please note that these complaints have been identified by consumers as impersonation scams, and that this has not been verified by TS or legitimate providers concerned.

2.The number of reports or complaints received per calendar year

Doorstep:

2021 – 0

2022 – 1

2023 – 1

2024 – 1

2025 – 2

Telephone:

2021 – 7

2022 – 9

2023 – 5

2024 – 3

2025 – 3

- The number of consumers who reported suffering a financial loss

Doorstep: 0

Telephone: 5 (2x 2022, 1x 2023, 2x 2025)

- The total value of reported financial losses

Doorstep: £0

Telephone: £16,010 (2022 - £15,167, 2023 - £8, 2025 - £835).

- The number of fines or other financial penalties issued 0

- The total value of fines or other financial penalties issued 0

If possible, please provide any demographic information recorded about the consumers targeted, such as age group or other relevant characteristics.

Not Available