The Isle of Wight Council, Trading Standards Service and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary are warning Island consumers and businesses of rogue traders cold-calling claiming to be working with the Council/Island Roads.
The rogue traders are visiting addresses and business premises claiming they have 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.”
Article continues below this advertisement “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 2 written quotes.
Michelle Love, Service Director for Highways and Community Protection said:
“We are committed, with the support of the Police, to protect Island residents and will take enforcement action, including prosecution, against rogue traders.
“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.”
Sounds like Island roads, but without the door knocking bit….
That is grossly unfair. I have always found them very polite if you need to ask something when on the road. Also e-mails to them are answered promptly and contain answers to queries.
Can’t be island roads, they are work shy.
Check out the seafronts or car parks, you
will find them sitting in their vehicles eating,
smoking, vaping and texting.
Lol
They are UNACCOUNTABLE on excellent pay and
benefits
I only ever use Pompey tradesman so not a problem.
There are too many cowboys on the island ripping
customers off.
Many island tradesman are unreliable, they don’t turn
up and charge extra even though they originally quoted
a lesser figure.
Not me. I am prompt to arrive and a price is a price. All satisfied customers.
Travellers