Don’t become prey to Scammers posing as LCC

Whilst the extensive surface dressing works are happening there can be those who are looking to take advantage of residents across the county.

Reports have come in of people being approached by supposed ‘crews’ who claim to be working in the area, carrying out surface dressing. They then claim to have have finished their job and just happen to have some ‘leftover’ Tarmac and stone chips. The ‘crew’ then offer to cover a private residence driveway for cash-in-hand.  

This is a scam.  

And the people running it aren’t working for the county council, they haven’t got extra unwanted material in the back of their lorry and what they are doing is illegal.  

Richard Fenwick, Head of Highways Assets said: “This is a complete scam and simply doesn’t happen with any works we carry out.  

“The truth is that our contractors work with very little waste in the first place and all loads that go out from a depot, and then back again – should there be any extra material left over for whatever reason – are logged so that nothing like this can happen. 

“Anyone claiming to have left-over material and willing to do a job privately for cash-in-hand is not being truthful. Our working practices don’t allow for the type of situation they are suggesting.” 

In fact, Lincolnshire Trading Standards is investigating after receiving reports of a company touting for business by claiming to be working for the county’s highways team.  

Senior Trading Standards Officer, Sally Gray, explained: “We’ve been made aware of a company who are allegedly misleading people into believing they are from our highways team and offering to carry out resurfacing work such as Tarmacking or repairing potholes on private land.   

“These scammers are claiming to be working on the roads nearby, and will have Tarmac left over. Once the work has been done, the individuals are then left with a huge, unexpected bill.  

“Residents should take care to research any company before agreeing to contract them for any work. In this case, especially if they are responsible for a community facility – like a local sports club – or a town or parish council in the south of the county, as these seem to be the main targets.”  

Karen Cassar, assistant director for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, added: “A highways officer, or one of our contractors, would never approach someone out of the blue and offer to do work for them.  

“If you are ever unsure whether someone is working on behalf of the highways team, contact the council on 01522 782070 to confirm before agreeing to anything.” 

If you think a business has broken the law or acted unfairly, you can report them to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk or call the consumer helpline on: 0808 223 1133.