Rogue builders target Manx householders

Fri, 23 Jul 2010

The Office of Fair Trading is warning of rogue traders operating on the Island after one householder was nearly conned into handing over £6000.

A group of workmen from the UK were on the Isle of Man last week offering building services.

The OFT says the men didn't have the necessary work permits, and past experience suggests their work would have been below standard.

A number of householders complained about the group to trading standards, including one who was ready to commission £6000 worth of work from the group.

Trading Standards got involved and the group left on the next available ferry.

The OFT says never to hire workmen who turn up without an appointment offering to do work.

Chairman of the organisation, Bill Henderson, says these rogue traders are not welcome on the Island.