Warning issued over rogue traders' tarmac scam

The Isle of Wight Council, Trading Standards Service and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary are warning Island consumers and businesses of rogue traders cold calling claiming to be working with the Council/Island Roads and having a surplus of tarmac that they need to use up, which is not the case. Reports have been received from the Newport and Cowes areas.

These rogue traders often call on vulnerable and elderly residents, but we are warning businesses to be vigilant as well due to some work being carried out at business premises. Commonly, cold callers are unqualified conmen who charge extortionate amounts of money for little or no work done at all along with the prices being very misleading and demanding immediate payment.

Trading Standards is warning residents to be aware that these businesses are operating on the Island, and to be extremely careful before even discussing any work that the trader may suggest requires doing.

Trading Standards & Community Safety Manager, James Potter said: “Island residents should always be very wary of rogue traders who will cold call, as in our experience they are often unqualified conmen who will overcharge for unnecessary repairs/services which will be of poor quality.

“Legislation protecting consumers requires cold callers to give consumers a ‘Cancellation Notice’ giving them 14 days to cancel the contract made for over £42."

“Failure to issue a cancellation notice in the correct manner is a criminal offence.”  

These conmen offer services including gardening work, house maintenance, driveways, jet washing roofs, to name a few. Never engage with cold callers, and if you require work doing to your home always try to obtain at least two written quotes. Trading Standards run a trader approval scheme where local traders are vetted for compliance with consumer legislation.

For further information on our Scheme, please contact 823000 or look at our website (www.iwight.com/tas). Please be vigilant if you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours and report your concerns to the Police or the Trading Standards Service. We are committed, with the support of the Police, to protect Island residents and will take enforcement action, including prosecution, against rogue traders.

Michelle Love, Service Director for Highways and Community Protection said: “Island Roads does not ‘doorstep sell’.”

“Any materials used on the Island’s roads is carefully accounted for and used solely across the scope of our work.”

"If you are in any doubt about the legitimacy of anyone claiming to work for or with us, please contact our call centre immediately on 822440 or, alternatively, contact Trading Standards on 823371."