Island residents are being urged to be cautious when approached by cold calling traders offering to carry out work on their homes.
The Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards team is reminding people not to engage with unexpected callers at their door — even if they appear convincing or claim urgent work is needed.
Officials say genuine traders rarely need to knock on doors to find business, and rogue traders can sometimes leave properties in a worse condition than they found them.
The warning comes as residents are reminded to be particularly careful of offers for smaller jobs, such as pressure washing driveways or garden work.
If work does need to be carried out, Trading Standards advises Islanders to:
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Use a trader from the Isle of Wight Council’s Trader Approval Scheme, where businesses have been checked by Trading Standards officers.
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Ask friends or family for recommendations.
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Get several quotes before choosing a trader — and don’t automatically go for the cheapest option.
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Always get the trader’s full name and address in case something goes wrong.
Residents are also being warned to be careful when using online services that match customers with tradespeople.
Trading Standards says these platforms are not the same as approved trader schemes, as businesses responding to requests may not have gone through any checks.
Islanders can also request a No Cold Calling sticker by contacting the Trading Standards team.
Anyone arranging waste removal should also make sure the company is a registered waste carrier, checking their licence number and receiving a waste transfer note for any rubbish taken away.
Trading Standards says people should never feel pressured into agreeing to work immediately.
If it is safe to do so, residents are encouraged to note down vehicle registration numbers or descriptions of traders and report concerns to Trading Standards on 01983 823371 or by emailing trading.standards@iow.gov.uk.
Suspected scams can also be reported to Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 250 5050, while fraud reports can be made to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.