The Trading Standards Scambusters Team are asking Isle of Wight residents to ‘Give Bogus Tarmac Layers a Sticky Reception.’

Islanders are being warned to be on their guard against a gang of Tarmac layers who have scammed households across the South Coast out of thousands of pounds.

The warning comes form the Trading Standards ‘Scambusters’ team an intelligence led unit for the South East area that includes Isle of Wight Council Trading Standards Officers.

The Tarmac gang has been operating in counties neighbouring the Island and it is feared local people could be targeted.

Julie Woodhouse, IW Council senior fair trading officer, said:

“The gang cold calls on victims and may falsely claim to be working for the council.

“They offer to carry out Tarmac-ing work for reasonable rates but once they commence, the rates increase by up to ten times and consumers have been intimidated when they refuse to pay.

“The Scambusters team along with Trading Standards Services along the south coast are working very closely with the Police and want any information about these traders.

Ian Ward, IW Council cabinet member for Safer Communities said:

“We would warn consumers that they should never deal with cold calling driveway companies under any circumstances.

“If they turn up on your doorstep then please contact the Isle of Wight Council Trading Standards Service on 823371.”

 

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