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Original poster

AIBU to hate these people knocking on my door?

132 replies

FeralFruitloopFairy · 08/12/2025 21:07

In the past week alone we have had THREE people knocking on our door, wanting me to give them my bank details so they can sign me up for £15+ a month for their charities.

One knocked after dark and when I politely made the excuse I couldn’t find my purse he then said “that’s ok, you have your phone just give your bank details from your online banking app”

They start by saying they don’t want money “today”, the one who knocked today I said I don’t want to give my bank details as soon as he spoke but then he said it’s ok you don’t have to you can do it through a text on your phone. He meant there and then before he left.

I’m bloody sick of them, if I didn’t have Christmas presents coming I’d not answer the door! They make me feel so awkward on my own doorstep. I know they have a job to do and it’s a way to gain trade but if I’m going to donate to charity it will be to ones close to my heart not just cos I was pressured on my doorstop.

OP posts:
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Keepingittogetherstepbystep · 11/12/2025 13:07

I just tell them I can't help.

Not charity but the virgin guy was the worst wouldn't take no for an answer so I ended up shutting the door on him and the pratt left his leaflet on the doorstep. I was dumbfounded as to his thought process but he was wasting his own time.

Politicians247UnderwearExtinguishingService · 09/12/2025 22:48

lovemetomybones · 09/12/2025 22:41

Also I discovered my first full year’s payments wouldn’t actually go to the charity but the marketing company. No way 🙅‍♀️

I think this should actually be viewed as deliberate fraud that they aren't required to make this very clear to you - along with the fact that they are not volunteers and are being paid for it, as some people would not realise this - and I'm amazed that they aren't legally compelled to do this in order to retain their licence to operate.

If they did act honourably and do the above... well, I think we all know that their industry would vanish overnight; and maybe they should then ask themselves why that might be.

Magnificentkitteh · 09/12/2025 22:44

Agree it's way too intrusive and the scope for vulnerable people to be pressured or misled is high. I just say sorry I don't give at the door. I don't want to encourage the practice whatever the cause.

lovemetomybones · 09/12/2025 22:41

Also I discovered my first full year’s payments wouldn’t actually go to the charity but the marketing company. No way 🙅‍♀️

Politicians247UnderwearExtinguishingService · 09/12/2025 22:40

Friendlygingercat · 09/12/2025 22:01

Mostly I filter callers without answering based upon their appearance. The HCPs are dressed as nurses. The couriers are holding a parcel. Anyone anyone else I dont bother to answer so I dont have to explain or slam the door. What the eye does not see the heart does not grieve over.

Unfortunately, I can foresee the time when they will start deliberately holding what looks like a parcel when they knock - so that you'll open the door to them - and then, if asked, fake-apologise in fake surprise that their sign-up forms do actually look a bit like a parcel, don't they?!

Politicians247UnderwearExtinguishingService · 09/12/2025 22:36

GinaandGin · 09/12/2025 15:00

Agree
Had one very pushy charity cold caller not accept my
"I already donate to charity"
And he then followed up with
"Which charity?"
"How much do you donate?"
Er politely f off from my door

Show quote history

I wonder what happens if you ask them how much they give each month to this charity that they're so passionate about?

I suppose they could easily lie (although would they if they know it could get them into trouble if it gets back to the charity); but if they say something like "I support them by fundraising for them", I would enthuse about how very kind they are to give their time as an unpaid volunteer...<very awkward pause>... but unfortunately, I'm not in the same fortunate position as they are, as I have to work for a low wage to pay my bills and all my money is already accounted for.

Empra123 · 09/12/2025 22:35

I just tell them I already give to that charity.

SunCreamQueenie · 09/12/2025 22:14

When they say "I'm not selling anything " I say "well what have you knocked for then, I didn't invite you" gives enough time to shut the door before they start again.

Friendlygingercat · 09/12/2025 22:01

Mostly I filter callers without answering based upon their appearance. The HCPs are dressed as nurses. The couriers are holding a parcel. Anyone anyone else I dont bother to answer so I dont have to explain or slam the door. What the eye does not see the heart does not grieve over.

MumChp · 09/12/2025 20:48

No. Shut door.

We don't open if we don't expect visitors.

Cherrysoup · 09/12/2025 20:40

‘I already subscribe to the charities I want to, no thanks’ and gently close the door.

Original poster
FeralFruitloopFairy · 09/12/2025 20:34

@Bananalanacake They have iPads connected to the internet it’s tells them straight away if it’s not a real account

OP posts:
ginasevern · 09/12/2025 17:37

I don't answer the door to anyone I don't recognise or am not expecting. To be fair, I don't live the sort of life where "randoms" would just be dropping by (does anyone?). So if I don't know the person knocking I can guarantee they are either trying to sell something or, worse still, up to no good. I'm amazed at the amount of women alone who answer their door to just anyone.

GinaandGin · 09/12/2025 15:34

GinaandGin · 09/12/2025 15:21

I don't know of this is true but I read somewhere that charity mugging was born at german swimming pools/ summer clubs were charities would go round and ask people to donate ... sense of obligation made it successful.
Apparently

Show quote history

Just remembered it was Sweden

GinaandGin · 09/12/2025 15:21

Politicians247UnderwearExtinguishingService · 08/12/2025 22:36

It'd be very interesting to know if countries with a reputation for far more 'forthrightness' and bluntness have as many doorstep chuggers as we do in the UK.

Whilst I'm sure the majority wouldn't be abusive, I can't see your average German showing the same 'politeness' (i.e. being a soft touch) and worrying about hurting the feelings of a random person knocking on their door unsolicited and asking for money every month by saying "Nein danke!" as they shut the door smartly.

Edited
Show quote history

I don't know of this is true but I read somewhere that charity mugging was born at german swimming pools/ summer clubs were charities would go round and ask people to donate ... sense of obligation made it successful.
Apparently

Bananalanacake · 09/12/2025 15:19

But what happens if you reel off a load of numbers at them,,,,
'my account number is 165177824, my sort code is 1717272' How on earth can they make you prove that's your bank details or not?

GinaandGin · 09/12/2025 15:18

Squirrel60 · 09/12/2025 11:16

Chuggers is what they are - charity muggers - I hate them and tell them to their face to piss off and if they pester me again I'll be calling the police.

They think they have the "right" to demand donations but they're just pests who should be banned by law from doorstep muggings.

Like all those religious freaks banging on doors demanding attention, as an Atheist I tell them to piss off too!

This they are complete pests

GinaandGin · 09/12/2025 15:16

Left · 08/12/2025 21:46

You’ve got to shut them down before they start talking. I say “I never buy or donate at the door” and if they ask me why, I just keep shutting the door while saying “bye”. They rely on people being polite and following social conventions, and use tactics to make you feel awkward for refusing to engage with them and try and leverage this so that you donate/hand over your bank details.

This it's the sense of guilt, uncomfortableness and obligation
I hate it
Especially at my own home
It's really imposing

GinaandGin · 09/12/2025 15:02

StruggleFlourish · 08/12/2025 21:28

No offense but I think it's unreasonable to answer the door after dark, or if you're not expecting someone. But that's just me.

I put up a polite (but large enough to read) sign that said no sales or solicitors please... Also another one next to it stating that there's a camera on the premises, and I've been extremely fortunate very very few coming to the door, and if they do, I just ignore it. I don't answer the door.

But as for all these people coming to the door and trying to get money from you, absolutely not. And you absolutely don't have the give the excuse about not being able to find your bank card in your wallet or something. I mean, you can make an excuse if it's easier for you, "oh I'm sorry, my husband takes care of all the banking, he's in the shower right now"...or "I'm sorry, I'm not the homeowner, I'm the babysitter / dog walker / house sitter" ...

I tried that and they asked what time could they come back

GinaandGin · 09/12/2025 15:00

Asparename · 08/12/2025 21:11

I have a sticker on my door saying no cold callers but I would just say no if I answered the door, don’t make an excuse about not finding your purse, just say no I support the charities in want to already and I don’t give money to people knocking on the door!

Agree
Had one very pushy charity cold caller not accept my
"I already donate to charity"
And he then followed up with
"Which charity?"
"How much do you donate?"
Er politely f off from my door

Politicians247UnderwearExtinguishingService · 09/12/2025 13:40

Sidebeforeself · 09/12/2025 06:35

Posters saying they have stickers but if anyone does knock they just point to it are just proving my point!

Unfortunately, it's the golden rule of signs: the only people who ever bother to read them are the people for whom the signs are not necessary... who are left wondering as to why anybody could possibly need a sign to tell them what, to them, is stinking obvious!

BlackCatFanClub · 09/12/2025 12:49

I used to complain about the ones in town. One nearly made me miss a train standing in front of me. One spoke to DD before me. Complained to the council every time.

I had one at the door when DD was having a massive tantrum at bath time, they wouldn’t give up when I pointed out I was a little busy. Kept going on and on. I said ‘are you actually fucking kidding me’ and slammed the door on them.

ldnmusic87 · 09/12/2025 11:34

I loathe this, they are all part of agencies on commission, wearing a Unicef tabard one week, Greenpeace the next; knocking on your door late.

Our elderly neighbour goes to bed at 6pm and I get so angry that she is being disturbed or scared by these chuggers.

user86397409754 · 09/12/2025 11:33

FeralFruitloopFairy · 08/12/2025 21:18

We’re fairly rural so I’m surprised to have had as many in the space of a week - completely different causes as well. I’m happy to listen and take a leaflet but it’s the pressure to give your card details there and then!

Don’t take the leaflet and be happy to listen! That’s your mistake, as soon as it becomes clear it’s not a neighbour looking for their cat/delivery man, a firm No Thanks and shut the door. No need for further interactions, taking the leaflets and letting them get into their spiel makes them think you're on the hook for a donation…
We give considerable amounts to charity’s of our choice but I won’t tolerate being doorstepped, they’re bad enough on the high street! I guess no one goes shopping anymore so they've had to adapt!

Frenchfemme · 09/12/2025 11:26

I have lived in rural France for 12+ years and in that time have had no cold callers, charity or otherwise, (apart from the annual visit from the local volunteer fire brigade selling their calendar), and 3 visits from JW (2 English, 1 French). Long may it continue!