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New Scam Alerts Issued For Isle Of Wight

Several new scam warnings have been issued for the Isle of Wight this morning (Thursday).

Door-to-door roofers

There are reports of doorstep traders being prevalent on the Island and offering roofing work in response to the recent storms. 

These rogue traders will take the opportunity to take advantage of vulnerable residents at a time when they are worried about the safety of their property and it might be difficult to engage with a reputable trader due to high demand.

No matter how desperate you might be, please do not engage with anyone who knocks on your door and offers to do work for you.

They will overcharge, increase their price during the job, generally not be qualified and do a very poor job.

Fliers through the door

Please be wary of any fliers that might come through your door, although this gives an air of a professional organisation.

Anyone can get a flier printed quite cheaply and easily and these traders use this to make them seem genuine and local.

If you need work done follow recommendations from friends and family or use a trader on the Trader Approval Scheme

IW Council advertising

Scammers appear to be using the Isle of Wight Council to trick businesses into advertising in newsletters.

This is a common scam to target businesses where they will offer you advertising space in a  non-existent leaflet or newsletter.

Local traders have been harassed for future payments and intimidated into paying — please don’t engage with anyone approaching you over the phone like this.

Do your due diligence and make sure that you don’t get scammed.

HMRC scam

The HMRC scam appears to be back — an automated voice telling you that you have unpaid taxes and threatening action if you don’t comply.

The HMRC will never contact you in this way – Just hang up.

Cold call advice

if you are in receipt of large numbers of scam calls look into the option of call blocking.

This can be done through some call providers for free — Sky, Talk Talk and Wightfibre all offer this service.

Otherwise call blocking phones can be purchased for a reasonable price and can reduce scam calls by up to 98%

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