What is a rogue trader?

A rogue trader is an individual or business that targets residents to carry out home repairs or improvements, usually at the doorstep, charging above the market rate for shoddy or unnecessary work. Rogue traders are not vetted, are often not local, and leave homeowners with no recompense.

What are the warning signs of a rogue trader?

Six common warning signs are: creating urgency such as a one-day deal or claiming to be working in the area; asking for large cash payments upfront; using pressure tactics such as claiming work is urgent or dangerous; avoiding written quotes or contracts; relying on convincing appearances such as logos and uniforms rather than verifiable credentials; and unsolicited cold calling at the doorstep.

How can I protect myself from doorstep crime?

You choose the trader, never the other way around. Say no to unexpected callers, get more than one written quote, check business credentials and reviews, never pay large sums in cash upfront, and look out for older or vulnerable neighbours who may be targeted.

How do I report a suspected rogue trader in Norfolk or Suffolk?

In Norfolk, report doorstep crime activity at norfolk.gov.uk. In Suffolk, report at suffolk.gov.uk. If you feel concerned or threatened, call the Police on 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if you are in immediate danger.

How do I get a free No Cold Calling sticker?

Norfolk residents can call Norfolk County Council on 0344 800 8020. Suffolk residents can call 0808 223 1133 between 9am and 5pm, or email tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk with their name and address. Stickers are sent free of charge.

What is a Trusted Trader?

A Trusted Trader is a business that has been vetted and approved by Trading Standards as part of a council-backed scheme. Members agree to a Code of Practice covering quality of work, paperwork, complaints handling, and customer care. Norfolk and Suffolk Trusted Trader directories are free to use for residents.

Home›Stamp Out Rogue Traders

Stamp Out Rogue Traders

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

Visit the schemes below to find local Trading Standards Approved businesses

Norfolk Trusted Trader, Trading Standards Approved

Suffolk Trusted Trader, Trading Standards Approved

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.

If you live in Norfolk or Suffolk, this page will help you recognise the warning signs, take simple steps to protect yourself and your neighbours, report suspicious activity to your local authority, and find a trader who has been vetted and approved by Trading Standards.

Warning signs of a rogue trader

Six things to watch for. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

Muddy boot stamping near a home, representing urgency tactics used by rogue traders

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.

Asks for cash upfront

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

Poorly laid driveway showing the result of a rogue trader job

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.

Silhouette of a man in a high-visibility jacket at a frosted glass front door

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.

Vague or missing paperwork, a sign of a rogue trader

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.

An older man cautiously looking out of his window at hi-visibility callers

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

Doorstep crime starts with a knock. These steps keep you in control.

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.

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.

Get multiple quotes

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

Check credentials

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

Insist on written paperwork

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

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?

Report any Norfolk doorstep crime activity to norfolk.gov.uk

Report any Suffolk doorstep crime activity to suffolk.gov.uk

If you feel concerned, call the Police on 101 for non-emergencies, or 999 if you are in immediate danger.

Get a free No Cold Calling sticker

An official door sticker deters doorstep criminals and signals that cold callers are not welcome. Get one free from your local Trading Standards team by contacting the relevant council below.

Norfolk residents

Call Norfolk County Council on 0344 800 8020 to request your free sticker.

Suffolk residents

Call 0808 223 1133 (9am to 5pm) or email tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk with your name and address. A free sticker will be sent to you.

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 helpline on 0333 444 2197.

For consumer advice, contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.

If you believe a crime is being committed, contact Norfolk Police or Suffolk Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

#SORT — Together we can Stamp Out Rogue Traders

Last updated: May 2026

Supported by Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils