SCAMS: Repeated Phone Calls And Rogue Traders Reported On The Isle Of Wight

Sunday, 21 August 2022 06:00

By Jamie White @jaywhite_1

A number of new scams have been reportedly targeting residents on the Isle of Wight.

There appears to be a scam aimed at businesses offering to provide cheaper card machines and payment methods. The caller made 5 or 6 calls in the space of 30 minutes and became aggressive when challenged. The resident just hung up on them and reported to us as she no longer runs a business, however this could lure a business into paying money. For businesses, as with consumers, any call out of the blue offering you something that seems too good to be true probably is – if you are interested in changing providers then do your homework and approach the company yourself.

The second was a call from a company who for the price of £195 could get your council tax band changed and claim back payments from the 90s mounting to thousands of pounds. They will be using the rebate payable to those in bands A-D to target anyone who might not automatically get this payment. They will take your card details along with the £195 giving them access to your bank account. This is a scam – if you wish to challenge your council tax band you can do so yourself online at Challenge your Council Tax band: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

We have also heard from residents about persistent calls purporting to be Sky – this is a scam do not respond, don’t give anyone any details personal or banking, hang up!

Our colleagues in the police have shared with us that rogue traders appear to be back on the Island, offering to do work on properties, handing out business cards. A business card or a flyer doesn’t mean the trader is genuine, these are cheap and easy to produce and appear to legitimise the trader. Do not respond to or deal with anyone on the doorstep.

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