Doorstep charity collectors.

[Ananke]

Is it normal for these people to call as late as 9pm? I've just had a guy at the door looking for money for deaf kids and I wondered how genuine he was given the time of night it is.

[Two_Sheds]

Could be.
I had some suspect ones a few months ago: the guy came in my back garden to ask me to buy some cleaning products: he was an ex-prisoner from 100s of miles away he said. He really freaked me out, so I phoned the police who came straight round, checked his credentials and he was genuine. I felt like a prat then, but the PC said don't be silly, always get these things checked out if you feel vulnerable.

[cardiffsteve]

Could be genuine but if you feel threatened call the police or your local neighbourhood watch, if you have one.
Never feel guilty about just shutting the door.

Be safe.

[Ananke]

OH just said we couldn't help and closed the door.

What made it weirder was his opening line, asked how many OH had had tonight (he's not a drinker) so i'm thinking they might be calling later to try and get some tipsy people. Anyway, he is braver than I, this is one of the roughest areas in Glasgow, I wouldn't knock on doors around these parts during the day never mind a Friday night.

[scarletrunner]

Never answer the door,unless you are expecting someone at a certain time ,who lets you know first

[singleseeder]

My only response is a pleasant but positive 'I don't buy/give anything at the door.'

[donnakebab]

It's at times like this that I miss having daughters dog around. He scared most of them off.

One young guy said 'He's not going to eat me is he?' while backing away from the door, and I said 'Only if I tell him to.' He left.

He wouldn't have ate him, he just barks at stranger that get too close.

[Two_Sheds]

Never answer the door,unless you are expecting someone at a certain time ,who lets you know first

Like the postman. He always phones me first before he delivers a parcel

Seriously though, I don't answer the door after dark unless I'm expecting someone.

[veggiechicken]

My only response is a pleasant but positive 'I don't buy/give anything at the door.'

I do the same as single seeder during the day. Anyone who calls after dark doesn't get that courtesy - I can see who is outside without opening the door and if I don't recognise them I don't open it.

[Creemteez]

Reminds me of when I lived back in Essexland and had a knock on the door at about 10pm one night. Thinking it was my ex having forgot his keys AGAIN I opened it to be confronted by a Neanderthal-type "yoof" who could have been anything from 15-25 on my doorstep.
"Trikkatree" he muttered.
"Sorry?" I blurted.
"Trikkatree!!" he repeated.
Realising he was attempting to extract some cash for Halloween from me, I said,
"It's September!"
This took some time to compute but he then turned and dragged his knuckles back up the path and into the night.
It scared the Bejesus out of me and I've never opened the door after dark since without checking who it is.

[ladylottie]

All my friends know they have to phone first if they are planning to call in as I never open the door to anyone after dark unless they are expected. Sounds a bit paranoid but better safe than sorry.

[VirginVegGrower]

We got a Roma gypsy selling artwork last week, I said I'll let the dogs out if you don't go quickly. She was quite a fast mover

[OverWyreGrower]

If it's not someone I'm expecting (e.g. Avon lady - who texts me before coming over), I make sure the dogs are barking loudly and then pop my head over the side fence and say that I'm sorry, I can't open the door because of the dogs.... seeing 2 large Boxers with hackles up and slobber everywhere, barking their heads off, usually sends them back down the drive...

Admittedly, I have told a JW that I'm a satanist before....

[Ananke]

LMAO OWG.

We have an endless stream of door knockers here, from lovely, polite Mormons to slimey Sky Broadband salesmen and everything inbetween. I try to be polite but it gets so tiring.

[Glutton4...]

Reminds me of when I lived back in Essexland and had a knock on the door at about 10pm one night. Thinking it was my ex having forgot his keys AGAIN I opened it to be confronted by a Neanderthal-type "yoof" who could have been anything from 15-25 on my doorstep.
"Trikkatree" he muttered.
"Sorry?" I blurted.
"Trikkatree!!" he repeated.
Realising he was attempting to extract some cash for Halloween from me, I said,
"It's September!"
This took some time to compute but he then turned and dragged his knuckles back up the path and into the night.
It scared the Bejesus out of me and I've never opened the door after dark since without checking who it is.

Could've been my Cousin! (No, I wouldn't have let it in either! )