Hold the Line All guides & tools ›

Breathe. You're going to be okay.

We'll take this one step at a time. There is no rush. Nothing has to happen quickly.

Take one slow breath in. And out. You have time.

First, let's get everyone safe. Tap each one as you do it:

Bring any children inside and keep them with you, away from the door.
Bring dogs and pets inside, out of the way.
Stay inside yourself. Don't go outside to talk to anyone.
Lock the front door, and any side or back doors.
If you can do it calmly without going outside, close your front windows.

You do not have to open the door. You do not have to speak to anyone yet.

By using this app you agree that you are not receiving tax, financial, or debt management advice. This is free, general information only. Every effort is made to keep this material accurate and up to date, but the producers of this website cannot be held liable. Nothing you type leaves your phone.

Where are you?

The rules are very different across the UK, so this matters. Tap your country.

What's happening
Step
Your record

Your record so far

These are the answers you typed at the door, saved on your phone only. Add anything missing, then copy or save it.

Your rights

What's actually true, right now

Keep yourself safe

What not to do

  1. Don't open the door.
  2. Don't let anyone in.
  3. Don't sign anything.
  4. Don't agree to a payment on the doorstep under pressure.
  5. Don't go outside to talk to them.
  6. Don't be drawn into an argument. Calm and quiet is your strength.

How to bring it to a close

If you are not satisfied they are genuine, or you just want them to go, say these calmly through the door, in order:

    If they try to get in, or will not leave, call 999. Forcing entry, or refusing to leave after you have asked, is a matter for the police.

    Afterwards

    It's over. Well done for staying calm.

    1. Write down what happened while it's fresh: the time, names, the company, what was said.
    2. Photograph anything posted through the door or left outside.
    3. Don't pay or sign anything yet. Take advice first.
    4. Get free help using the numbers below. This is fixable.

    Know someone who might face this? Tell them about Hold the Line. No one should face it alone.

    Free help

    Free, confidential help

    All free. Never pay a company that charges a fee for "debt help".

    National Debtline

    Free phone advice across the UK.

    0808 808 4000

    By using this app you agree that you are not receiving tax, financial, or debt management advice. This tool gives general guidance only, not legal advice. For your specific situation, the free services above can help. Every effort is made to keep this material accurate and up to date, but the producers of this website cannot be held liable. Nothing you type here leaves your phone. When you use Claude, your words go to Anthropic under their privacy policy.

    How this was built

    Hold the Line · Built by Awakened Life
    Call 999 If anyone is in danger, or someone is forcing entry. Tap, then press call.