RESEARCHERS for the Isle of Wight Council are being mistaken for cold-call scammers.
A meeting of the Isle of Wight Council heard a genuine survey had coincided with the current bogus call scam where homeowners are told they are entitled to a council tax refund if they pass on bank details, so a refundable £99.99 processing fee can be taken.
The genuine survey, carried out by an East Midlands company, on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council, involves calling householders at evenings and weekends and has sparked concern.
Cllr Roger Mazillius said: "We should do all we can to ensure when the phone rings people can be assured it is the IW Council.
"When a woman in my ward was called on a Sunday lunchtime she was concerned it was one of those con artists."
Cllr Reg Barry said concern had been expressed by householders in his ward after they received calls on Sunday evenings.
He said cold telephone calls were being made on behalf of the council at a time when, at great expense, no cold-calling zones had been established in Nettlestone and Seaview to prevent doorstep rogue traders.
But cabinet member for customer service Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson said people who wanted to avoid nuisance calls could subscribe to the Telephone Preference Service.
He said the company carrying out research for the council was well-established and followed correct methodology.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk