Locals are being warned to be vigilant after a man claiming to be from Island Roads approached an elderly resident and offered to resurface their driveway in the Undercliff area of the Isle of Wight yesterday (Thursday).
The unknown individual said that he had ‘spare material’ and could use it to resurface the resident’s driveway for just £1,500. He was dressed in full high vis clothing and claimed to be from the Island’s PFI contractor.
According to the real Island Roads, the elderly resident refused the offer but the would-be scammer was very persistent, asking to enter the property so they could discuss the price further. She eventually – and wisely – closed the door in his face.
A spokesperson for Island Roads has said:
“We do not make cold calls of this nature under any circumstances and neither do we have ‘spare material’, which is all accounted for.
“If this person has tried this tactic with one person we are obviously concerned he may do so again. We sincerely hope that folk are not taken in by these tactics and would like to make people aware that scammers do appear to be in operation”.
If you get a cold call visitor offering services on behalf of Island Roads, contact the firm on 01983 822440 or the Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards hotline on 01983 823371.
Perhaps any ‘spare’ hardcore could be tipped in the narrow gulf preventing the undercliff road from being opened. To think, in the War we built steel structures over vast areas under enemy fire. They can’t bridge a gap a two year old could throw it’s rattle across.
Probably would of done a better (and quicker) job than Island Roads
I always say to them that I don’t do business on the doorstep, and that they should communicate by company headed letter. The Yellow door sticker seems to be an excellent idea – where can I get one?
Don’t bother , that take no notice of them anyway !
Got one downloaded online, then printed to be honest some take no notice of it, so I say nothing point at it then shut the door sorted.
And where can we get these stickers from, we have seen them on doors but have never received any.?