The public has been warned to be alert to doorstep scammers as lockdown restrictions are eased.
A survey by consumer champion Which? suggested that 16% of people have received unsolicited visits from someone claiming to be a salesperson or charity worker since the start of the first lockdown.
The poll of 1,186 Which? members, which took place in February, found that 9% said they felt the visitor was pressuring them into making a purchase or performing a certain action, such as donating.
Which? said it does not know how many of these visits were scams, but added that even genuine doorstep selling can leave consumers at a disadvantage.
It said these unexpected visits can be unnerving, especially for elderly or vulnerable people or if the salesperson is particularly pushy.
The survey found that 37% of people who had an unsolicited door knock said it was someone offering home improvement services.
Fraudsters target people in different ways such as offering building, gardening or home improvement services and then overcharging or never completing the work, according to Which?.
Scammers may also pose as salespeople or charity workers as a means of getting people to hand over cash.
Adam French, Which? consumer rights expert, said: “It’s highly concerning that doorstep scammers are back in business and looking to exploit the pandemic in every way they can.
“We all need to be wary of anyone who knocks on our door unexpectedly.
“Adopting a blanket policy not to buy goods or services offered at the door is a sure-fire way to stop any would-be fraudsters in their tracks.
“However, if you do decide to purchase something at your door, you should ask the seller for their ID or call the company to verify their identity before making any payments.
“If you encounter a fraudster, you should report this to Action Fraud in England or call Policing Scotland on 101 in Scotland and if you have any safety fears, dial 999 immediately.”
