WARNING ON TARMAC DRIVEWAYS SCAMS  (an all time problem)

 

Trading Standards ‘Scambusters’ Team has issued an urgent warning to households in the Southern Counties and along the South coast about a gang of prolific tarmaccers who are ripping off victims for thousands of pounds.  Intelligence is available that shows this gang are currently operational along the Brighton to Chichester corridor.  They cold call on victims, sometimes falsely claiming to be working for Sussex County Council, and offer to carry out tarmacing work for reasonable rates.  Once the work is started, the rates increase by up to ten times and consumers have been intimidated when they refuse to pay.

 

The Scambusters team are working very closely with the Police and want any information about these traders.  A spokesman for Scambusters said: “We would warn consumers that they should never deal with cold calling driveway companies under any circumstances.  If they turn up on your doorstep then please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.”

BT TELEPHONE SCAM - warning received September 2009

 

Beware of the telephone caller who claims to work for BT and says that your telephone will be cut off unless you make an immediate payment by debit or credit card.  He may try to convince you that he works for BT by saying he will demonstrate by temporarily cutting off your phone while you try to make another call.  That may appear to work but is not clever. The “cutting off” is very simple.  He stays on the line with the mute button on and you can't dial out - but he can hear to trying and will then come back on the line.  You could almost be convinced, but don't fall for it.