Stamp Out Rogue Traders

Helping to protect Norfolk residents from doorstep criminals. Know the signs. Say no. Stay safe.

What is Stamp Out Rogue Traders?

Stamp Out Rogue Traders (#SORT) is a consumer protection campaign run by Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council Trading Standards teams. The campaign raises awareness of doorstep crime, helps residents recognise the warning signs of a rogue trader, and points people towards Trading Standards Approved businesses they can trust.

A rogue trader is an individual or business that targets residents to carry out home repairs or improvements, usually unsolicited and at the doorstep. They charge above the market rate for shoddy or unnecessary work, often using high-pressure sales tactics. Victims are frequently older or vulnerable residents and are typically left with no recompense.

This page will help you recognise the warning signs, take simple steps to protect yourself and your neighbours, report suspicious activity and find a trader who has been vetted and approved by Trading Standards.

Warning signs of a Rogue Trader

Six things to watch for

1.Creates urgency

'One-day deal' or 'we're already working in the area' tactics are designed to rush you into saying yes before you can check the trader.

2. Asks for cash upfront

'No invoice, no receipt, no contract. Legitimate businesses provide written quotes and offer card or bank payment options.

3. Pressure Tactics

Claims that work is 'urgent' or 'dangerous' are designed to prevent you from getting a second opinion. Pressure selling is a crime tactic.

4. Vague or no paperwork

Rogue traders avoid written contracts. Always insist on clear written details of the work, the price, and the timescale before any work begins.

5. Convincing appearances

Logos, uniforms, and charm are not proof of legitimacy. Always verify identity independently. Ring the company on a number you have looked up yourself.

6. Unsolicited cold call

Reputable businesses rarely solicit work door-to-door. Cold callers offering roofing, driveways, or tree work are a common route into fraud.

Protect yourself in six simple steps

1. You choose the trader

Never agree to work from an unexpected caller. The safest way is to contact a business yourself using a trusted source.

2. It's OK to say no

You are under no obligation to open the door or agree to anything. No appointment, no entry. You don't owe them your time.

3. Get multiple quotes

Comparing quotes identifies inflated prices. Rogue traders rely on snap decisions. Legitimate firms expect you to shop around.

4. Check credentials

Verify business details, reviews, and insurance. Ask for a physical address and evidence of previous work before committing.

5. Insist on written paperwork

Always get a written quote detailing the work, price, and timescale. Never pay large sums in cash before work begins.

6. Look out for neighbours

Older and isolated residents are frequently targeted. A quick check-in with a neighbour could prevent a crime.

Spotted a suspicious trader in your area?

If you see doorstep cold callers or rogue traders operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Get a free No Cold Calling sticker

An official door sticker deters doorstep criminals and signals that cold callers are not welcome. If you are a Norfolk resident you can request a free set of our door stickers by contacting the Norfolk County Council Customer Services

No Cold Calling Zones

Could your community help stop doorstep cold callers and rogue traders from targeting vulnerable people by becoming a No Cold Calling Zone? Find out more about the scheme or to apply

About the SORT campaign

The Stamp Out Rogue Traders (#SORT) campaign is delivered in partnership between Norfolk County Council, Suffolk County Council, their Trading Standards teams, and the Norfolk and Suffolk Trusted Trader schemes. The campaign is part of an ongoing, county-wide consumer protection programme to reduce doorstep crime and help residents make informed, safe choices when arranging work on their homes.

Norfolk Trusted Trader and Suffolk Trusted Trader are the only council-backed, Trading Standards approved trader directories serving these counties. Every member business has been vetted, has agreed to a published Code of Practice, and is subject to ongoing monitoring. Residents can search for an approved business at trustedtrader.team/Norfolk or trustedtrader.team/Suffolk, or call the Trusted Trader helpline on 0333 444 2197.

For consumer advice or to report issues to Trading Standards, contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133