Line-painting scam

21 June 2012

Kent Trading Standards has been made aware of a trader carrying out road marking and lining for businesses and possibly non-commercial premises such as village halls.

The trader may claim or imply that they are working on behalf of Kent Highway Services (part of Kent County Council), which is not the case. Work may be offered at a discounted price from that “usually” charged, and that materials are left over from a previous job somewhere nearby.

We would like to hear from any business or other organisation that may have been approached in similar circumstances in the last few weeks, with any information they may have regarding the business or persons involved, and any vehicles they have used. Any information received may help to assist in preventing possible fraudulent claims and misleading marketing of such work in future. Contact our offices on 01233 898825 (East Kent) or 01732 525291 (West Kent).

If you are approached or contacted by anyone offering work of this nature, always ask for full identity and check with Kent Highway Services directly on 08458 247800 before agreeing to any work being done. Also, seek a quotation in writing on business-headed paperwork. If work like this is required, it will probably not be too urgent to prevent proper checks being made in advance.