Amazon Prime, Cold-Callers And Building Services All Among Latest Isle Of Wight Scams

Saturday, 14 January 2023 06:00

Amazon Prime, cold-callers cowboy builders asking for money and are all among the latest scams on the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership (IWASP) has issued the following information to help prevent Islanders being caught out:

A reminder about the Amazon Prime scam saying that you owe money – again this appears to be coming from an Island number. Just because the number calling you starts 01983 doesn’t automatically mean you can trust it – scammers will buy bulk numbers starting with any code and use them until they get blocked or removed.

A warning to Island traders – The council's Building Control Department have advised us that they work with a company called Building Control Communications (formally LABC Publishing) who produce a customer user guide which is funded through advertising. It appears that someone is contacting companies that have previously advertised and claiming to either be from IOW Building Control or from the bailiffs and demanding payment for previous adverts. One local company has unfortunately fallen victim to this scam. If you are a business, be very cautious about advertising with companies that contact you out of the blue to advertise with them.

Despite the inclement weather, we have received reports of cold calling on the Island. Most recently somebody has been leafleting areas and then knocking on doors to try to buy gold, silver and valuables. Trading Standards strongly advises against engaging with anyone who operates like this, and particularly allowing them access to your property. If you wish to sell any valuables, we recommend contacting reputable auction houses or antique shops.

Be wary of any phone calls stating that they are offering free surveys in the area for Government grants relating to insulation, solar panels etc. Do not engage with anyone who contacts you in this way.

Anyone who thinks they might have been a victim of a scam, can find more information on how to report it here - https://www.iow.gov.uk/business/trading-standards

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