For being terrified after visit from Nottingham Knockers?

You seem a bit hysterical OP. This happens every so often where we live. Chancers, just declined and moved on with your life. I think you've watched too much 'Home Alone' this Yuletide.

If you read the article the OP linked to, it explains how this scam can lead to a later burglary. Depending on how the interaction goes, the scammer can get information that leads to a targeted burglary.

“The price for whatever has been purchased usually comes to a note – usually £10. The householder disappears to get this – this is when the scam begins, according to the police. When the note is handed over, the lad examines the condition and how long it took the person to get it. If it is crumpled, they accept it and move on. If it is crisp flat and new – they are much more interested and may engage the person in more conversation, to obtain details about them. As they leave they will smell the note. If it is slightly musty – this is an indication that there is more in the property. Those addresses are noted. The addresses of elderly/vulnerable/gullible people are all noted.

These are handed to the employer and there is a small amount of cash handed over for each one. These addresses are then sold on. If there is a later break-in, the employer expects a further cut of the proceeds. These lists are purchased by all sorts of people including – tarmacers, tree workers, roofers, dodgy builders etc., and can be shared quite easily. Once on a list, your address could be sold on and on. Hence the repeat nature of these persistent callers.“

https://www.thamehub.co.uk/thames-valley-police-issue-nottingham-knocker-advice/

This would've made me uncomfortable, too. I'm around your age OP. I'm sure I've seen threads on here before in AIBU about them sometimes being linked to burglaries and being scammers so to be careful with them. I don't know who or what makes someone particularly vulnerable in their eyes, age aside. I don't know how unpleasant they'll be if I say no.

To echo a previous poster, no one is allowed to minimise your feelings. They rattled you. Use this as your prompt to sort your security system. Sorry you have had some vicious replies. Even by AIBU standards a couple of people have stuck the boot in.

The link you posted was about householders handing over money and then that being used to assess the viability of that house as a target for revisiting for burglary purposes. You did not hand over money. So no harm. Please rest easy. (And put the unkinder posts away from your mind)

I agree. Even if they think you’re overreacting, there’s no need for them to be so nasty about it.

Most of them obviously haven’t read the article you linked to where the police explain this scam, and how it can lead to a later burglary or other scams if your address is sold on to other scammers.

www.thamehub.co.uk/thames-valley-police-issue-nottingham-knocker-advice/

You didn’t give this man any money so you’re probably safe from any further consequences. But I can understand how you might have felt unsettled by this, and worried because you’re about to go away and leave your new home.

Some of us do get worried and anxious about things like this - I would have been. It’s odd and unnerving. It’s not kind for people to mock you and tell you you’re being ridiculous for feeling like this.

It really doesn’t help a person who is anxious to pour scorn on our fears, or make fun of us, it just makes us feel worse. Either reassure us there’s probably nothing to worry about in this case, or say nothing.

I hope you’re able to put your worries aside (because you didn’t give him any money), and can enjoy your Christmas away, and then come back and enjoy your new home.

How is it a scam? They offer to sell cleaning products, yes they may be at a mark up but same if you buy things in a convenience store. I once bought a feather duster from them, my choice to pay a few quid more.

Op reassure yourself that burglary is getting rarer, mainly because most household electronics are not worth that much as TvS etc have gradually got cheaper. Burglaries appear to be getting more targeted, so if they know through intelligence or networks that someone is likely to have a lot of gold at home.

I get this. I used to live in a rough neighbourhood and the fear when you suspect something is up, the waiting, feeling like a sitting duck...it's horrible. But let me reassure you, 99% of the time it's all in your head (as someone who has been there). Also, I should say when I lived in a rough place we did actually have 4 break in attempts while we were home (it was the pandemic) and we scared them off every time... even if they do break in it's not the end of the world!

We’ve had this sort of cold caller several times over the years. Each time I’ve politely declined their offer to buy (overpriced) random stuff, they’ve said ok, and moved onto the next house. I’ve never heard of any burglaries happening in my area immediately after these visitors.

If this was someone casing houses - rather than simply a conman trying to fleece the gullible - then you’ve surely given them no reason to return later?
Your house isn’t deserted, you’re not a frail pensioner, or someone who’d produced a purse bulging with bank notes. Most people don’t have all their most valuable possessions stacked up in the hall there for anyone at the front door to spy over their shoulders.

A ring doorbell or similar might be a good idea for reassurance, but I really don’t think there’s much to worry about here.

OP, the link you posted yourself says it's those people who hand over cash who are at risk. You didn't, so can't see there is a problem? I've had these people around once or twice - sent them on their way and didn't give it another thought. Getting a Ring doorbell set up might make you feel better?

Given the sensationalist thread title, is anyone else disappointed it turned out to be “door to door salesman turned up and I didn’t buy anything”?

Terrified, ffs.

You are being ridiculous, the scam is after people have been foolish enough to buy something from them and gone to get cash, if it looks like you have a lot of cash about, look vulnerable, etc. Since you said no thanks this doesn't apply to you.

What ‘phraseology’ did op use that was offensive?

Complete over reaction unless you thrive on drama or have an anxiety disorder.

He's not going to come back and tie you and your husband up, microwave the cat and steal all your worldly possessions just because you didn't buy some tea towels from him.

I think you need to put this from your mind OP. We’ve had these young men come door knocking on and off in our area for literally decades and I’ve never been burgled. They are usually from the NE, Teesside accents, and always have a large supply of shit products available at extortionate prices.

They go door to door to door, I’m pretty sure they can’t rob every house. Whether they are opportunists or not I don’t know, but I don’t think they are casing the joint. The worst that one did to me was call me a fucking slag when I wouldn’t buy anything whilst DD stood there mouth open.

Anyway, I’m pretty sure drug dealing is far more lucrative and less of a risk these days.

Nottingham knockers would be a perfect name for a brothel.

If it’s any comfort DH DID buy something a few years ago.😂but (touch wood) there have been no break ins or other activity!

I had them once in Dartmoor when visiting a relative, they were fine. Just selling kitchen stuff and they had ID. I didn't want anything myself but shouted over my shoulder to relative and they didn't want any dustbans/brushes/cloths either, the guy was fine. No burglaries.

"Omg, i answered the door...I was so discombobulated and terrified, I accidentally answered the phone!
Hell-fire and brimstone will rain down on me."
I'm so surprised the human race survives in this country as most here seem terrified of everything and everyone

Apart from having a clean kitchen!

People are terrified of everything these days.

Oh well, that’s ok then, isn’t it 🙄

I've never heard of them burgling anyone.

My Dad was killed by a prisoner out on day release so bad shit does happen. Incidentally the next time we had Notts Knockers after he died, I was absolutely hysterical and so scared I called 999. It’s ok to be alarmed. They are not nice people.

I very much doubt that most people would be unsettled or anxious (much less terrified) after such an encounter. I would imagine that most people would go on about their day without a second thought. A ring doorbell might put your mind at ease, but it really seems that you’ve overreacted to a non-event.

They are conmen and prey on the elderly and vulnerable to buy their overpriced tat but as far as I’m aware are not known to carry out burglaries.