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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to feel uneasy after a pushy doorstep call?

64 replies

poetryandwine · 08/04/2026 13:41

Posting for traffic . Title from MN

I am WFH today and answered the door to a former prisoner. He understandably needs a fresh start but he wasn’t very coherent and when I declined he got pushy.

Can anyone help me with what this is about?
Thanks in advance

OP posts:
FolioQuarto · 08/04/2026 13:58

A tip I learned from a friend. Always answer the door to unexpected callers with your phone to your ear. Ask the pretend person in your phone to wait a moment, that way you can end the doorstep call very quickly. "I'm sorry, I'm on a work call."

Assuming you are confident the doorstep person won't try to grab your phone.

Or simply do not answer the door.

Netcurtainnelly · 08/04/2026 13:57

CelticSilver · 08/04/2026 13:44

'No, thank you.' Close door.

better still don't answer the door without checking who it is.

MrsDoylesTeacup · 08/04/2026 13:56

Google Nottingham Knockers, sounds like it’s that, advice is to report to 101 if you feel it’s necessary. I had similar years ago, showed me a card that said he was recently released from prison and was trying to sell cleaning stuff out of a hold-all. Told him I wasn’t interested and he left.

Bonsaibaby · 08/04/2026 13:54

Oh it’s a well known one some guy says he’s got out of prison and trying to make his way, wants you to buy a duster or something

Original poster
poetryandwine · 08/04/2026 13:53

AuntieDolly · 08/04/2026 13:45

“Nottingham Knockers” - they’ll be going round your neighbourhood. We usually get warnings on Facebook

Ah, I’ve heard the term. Thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
poetryandwine · 08/04/2026 13:49

IsItBeesThoughLooshkin · 08/04/2026 13:47

I don’t think it is legit.

Show quote history

Interesting, may I ask why?

OP posts:
Original poster
poetryandwine · 08/04/2026 13:48

Thanks, everyone. ‘help to get back on my feet’ is as far as we got. It took us a while to establish that. I wasn’t impolite but I was busy so when he repeated it I said I was sorry but I couldn’t help him. I think he was nervous, hopefully not because of me, but I imagine my neighbours weren’t answering the door if they weren’t expecting anyone.

He was carrying an old fashioned attache case so it could have contained wares for sale.

OP posts:
IsItBeesThoughLooshkin · 08/04/2026 13:47

AlwaysLookOnTheBrightSideOfLife · 08/04/2026 13:43

I think they sell homewares like dish-cloths, all legit.

I don’t think it is legit.

hallomynameisinigomontoya · 08/04/2026 13:47

Call your local police non emergency line if you felt threatened. It's likely you're not the only one they've been pushy with.
Look up Nottingham knockers, they're often identifying the houses with vulnerable people to target later in some way I believe.

AuntieDolly · 08/04/2026 13:45

“Nottingham Knockers” - they’ll be going round your neighbourhood. We usually get warnings on Facebook

CelticSilver · 08/04/2026 13:44

'No, thank you.' Close door.

AlwaysLookOnTheBrightSideOfLife · 08/04/2026 13:43

I think they sell homewares like dish-cloths, all legit.

Credittocress · 08/04/2026 13:42

More information needed. Was he part of an official scheme or trying to set up on his own

jellyfish798 · 08/04/2026 13:42

🤔🤔 what did he want? Was this a cold call as in for sales, or is he a handyman/gardener etc

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