Warning over bogus tarmac layers

5:24pm Wednesday 7th March 2007

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BOGUS tarmac layers could be targeting elderly people in Mid Devon, trading standards officers warned this week.

A rogue gang claiming to work for Devon County Council has been spotted in East Devon during the past week.

The gang is cold-calling people and offering to repair or replace driveways, saying they work for the council and have leftover tarmac from a previous job.

The gang then quotes a price in square metres but after laying tarmac emulsion and loose chippings, quotes a new and grossly inflated price calculated in square feet.

Devon County Council's fair trading manager, Peter Greene, said: "When a trader cold-calls, the consumer is normally entitled to a seven day cooling-off period and the trader is required, by law, to give a written notice of cancellation rights.

"However, in these cases no notice is being given and the householder is pressurised into having the work done quickly.

"Our experience with cold-call tarmac gangs is that the work is often shoddy and overpriced and in many cases not completed at all.

"We are aware of complainants who have been intimidated into parting with thousands of pounds and we are concerned that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

"Our experience tells us that many victims of this sort of scam are too afraid or embarrassed to report the matter.

"Council staff do not undertake private work and reputable contractors do not operate in this way. If householders are in any doubt they should delay a decision until they carry out appropriate checks."

Cllr Brian Berman, Devon County Council's executive member for communities, said: "A good rule of thumb in these situations is that if it looks too good to be true it probably is. This type of cowboy trader' always tries to focus in on the more vulnerable.

"Do not let unannounced cold-callers into your home and, if you feel intimidated, telephone the police immediately."

Anyone approached by these traders is urged to refuse any work and contact Devon Trading Standards immediately on 01392-381381.