Travelling rogue traders may be planning to return to Island says OFT

Adverse weather could leave residents at risk

Adverse weather will leave householders on the Isle of Man ‘more susceptible’ to being conned by rogue traders.

That’s the view of the Office of Fair Trading which says it expects them to tout for roofing work in particular.

It claims that travelling traders, who have recently targeted the Island, may be planning to return.

Cold calling is illegal on the Isle of Man and the OFT is urging people to make vulnerable people aware of this; anyone being pestered should call the police of Trading Standards for advice.

It’s also issued the following advice:

• Do NOT use traders who call at your home without an appointment offering to do work
• Do NOT be pressurised into having unnecessary work done
• Do NOT fall for patter such as 'We were just in the area and noticed a problem’
• Do NOT part with a significant amount of cash up front

People that are concerned they have already fallen foul of a rogue trader should contact the OFT's Trading Standards team by emailing iomfairtrading@gov.im or calling 01624 686500.