Business information

Warning about paint scam

Rogue traders pretending to be from the local highways authorities are targeting schools, libraries and churches in Hertfordshire, Trading Standards has warned.

They cold-call, offering to re-paint car park bays and sports pitches, claiming to have paint left over from jobs they have carried out in the area.

Once the job is done, they charge a hugely inflated price and can become intimidating if the bill is queried. Local businesses have also been targeted.

Keith Emsall, Executive Member for Community Safety and Culture, said: "This is a particularly pernicious scam because it targets organisations operating for the public good.

"Our advice is never to deal with cold-calling building contractors as reputable firms do not generally take that approach.

"If you have had work carried out by a company claiming to work for the highways authorities, please contact Trading Standards as your evidence could help bring a prosecution against these people."

The traders are charging £2 per linear foot - in itself a breach of weights and measures legislation - and as a result some relatively small jobs can be billed for more than £1,000.

The going rate for that work through reputable companies is in the region of 45p a metre.