TRADING standards officers are warning about two scams currently being operated in the Cardigan area.

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 residents 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).

Reports of any calls can be made to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040, or by calling Dyfed-Powys Police on 101.