The Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards Service is warning island consumers and businesses to beware of rogue traders cold-calling and offering to carry out various home improvement work, including: gardening, home improvements, cleaning roofs and driveways. This warning comes following reports of cold-callers offering to tarmac driveways in the early part of January.
The rogue traders stated that they were working with Island Roads on local schemes, and had some spare tarmac left over. This is not the case. Island Roads do not offer any such service or use contractors in this manner.
Mark Roberts, Island Roads Asset Manager 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″.
These rogue traders often call on vulnerable and elderly residents, but businesses should also be vigilant, as some calls were made at business premises.
Councillor Phil Jordan, Executive Member with responsibility for Trading Standards, 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.
“Residents should be extremely careful before even discussing any work that any trader may suggest requires doing, and never pay upfront to a cold-caller. If you require work doing to your home always try to obtain at least two written quotes.
Article continues below this advertisement “We are committed, with the support of the Police, to protect Island residents and will take enforcement action, including prosecution, against rogue traders as required.”
In December 2015, two rogue tree surgeons were ordered to pay total fines of £600, costs of £750, a criminal court charge of £180 and a surcharge of £20 each in Newport Magistrates Court following Trading Standards and Police investigation and prosecution. This was after admitting engaging in a commercial practice which was aggressive, failing to inform the victim of their right to cancel the contract and engaging in a commercial practice which was misleading.
