PEMBROKESHIRE householders and businesses are being warned by Trading Standards about two scams currently being operated in the county.

Residents are asked to be aware of traders claiming to sell ‘left-over’ tarmac from a nearby job.

They offer to lay the excess tarmac for next to nothing and not charge for labour but then end up asking for a large amount of money.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Public Protection department strongly urges farmers, other rural business owners and residents not to allow themselves to be pressured into agreeing to work on the doorstep.

Instead they are advised to take the time to find a reputable trader which will allow them the protection offered by consumer law, including a cooling-off period following any contract being agreed.

The second warning concerns reports from local residents who have been contacted by telephone by callers claiming to be from HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) telling them that they owe unpaid tax and need to make an urgent payment.

The bogus callers have been trying to frighten residents into paying by falsely suggesting they will be visited by the police. They also offer a variety of phone numbers to contact.

HMRC have confirmed that this is a scam and anyone receiving one of these should end the call immediately and report it to them.

For further advice on this or any other scams, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040 506 / 03454 040505 (for Welsh speakers).

The county council’s Trading Standards Team offers talks to any groups in Pembrokeshire, advising how to spot and avoid scams and what to do if you or someone you know is receiving these contacts.

For further details please phone 01437 764551 or email: tradingstandards@pembrokeshire.gov.uk