CHANTILLY, Va. — An unexpected knock on the door or ring of the doorbell can be unsettling.

Sometimes the person on the other side of the door is a friendly neighbor but often it’s somebody who wants your money.

“While many door-to-door salespersons are honest, the chance does exist that you may be taken advantage of if you are not cautious and informed,” said Kraig Troxell, spokesman with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in a news release.

In an age when an increasing number of transactions are accomplished online, having an uninvited visitor on your doorstep can seem like an invasion of privacy.

Homeowners can say “we’re not interested,” without opening the door and solicitors are expected to leave when asked by the property owner.

Yet, in most cases, door-to-door sales people and solicitors have the right to be on your front stoop.

All local jurisdictions require solicitors to register with the county and get an ID card identifying them and their employer.

Those soliciting funds to be used solely for nonprofit, charitable, religious or community services purposes are not required to be registered in Loudoun County.

“Solicitors must conduct themselves in a lawful and orderly manner and must identify themselves and their purpose for being on the property,” Troxell said.

Solicitation hours in Loudon County are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Soliciting is not permitted on Sundays or state or national holidays.