The Isle of Wight Council's trading standards team are warning of a potential damp treatment and insulation scam on the Island.

This follows reports received a trader is phoning residents for damp treatment and insulation, saying their “property has been flagged up as eligible” and that a salesman will then be sent shortly to “assess the property”.

As might be expected, the ‘trader’ finds damp and insulation issues at the property and pressurises the homeowner into signing a contract for a large sum of money.

If anyone has entered into a contract for damp and/or insulation, they can cancel within 14 days by writing to the company.

You can telephone but we would strongly advise following the telephone call with a letter confirming the cancellation. The information is on the contract from the company.

If you have contacted and are worried, you can contact the Island's Trading Standards service on (01983) 823371.

The council supports the Warm Up Wight Scheme as it meets its code of conduct.

More advice and support relating to insulation and keeping heating bills low can be obtained from the Footprint Trust.

Isle of Wight residents are advised not to respond to calls that are “out of the blue” as they carry the hallmarks of a scam. Reputable traders would not pressurise customers or charge such extortionate fees.

If you feel you may benefit from home insulation or suffer with damp, make your own enquiries with reputable Island traders.

Trading Standards will always recommend contacting a trader on the Trader Approval Scheme.