ISLE of Wight Council Trading Standards are reminding residents not to give away personal details on the doorstep.

Reports have been received that an energy company representative is cold calling — with no form of identification — at properties across the Island.

The caller is suggesting that there may be a cash incentive to move supplier.

A spokesperson for Trading Standards said: "Although this may be a genuine company, we would like to remind residents not to give away any personal details on the doorstep and not to engage with anyone at the door that they don’t know.

"We recommend that you:

  • Use a door chain
  • Never give personal/financial details to anyone at your doorstep
  • Get a no cold calling sticker from Trading Standards by e-mailing: trading.standards@iow.gov.uk

"If you do give details out, contact your bank straight away and they will be able to help you.

"If you are considering switching energy supplier, make check whether you will incur a fee for cancelling your current energy deal, as fees are common with fixed rate tariffs if you switch early.

"Suppliers now should allow you to leave up to 49 days ahead of your tariff’s end date without incurring a penalty."

For more information, visit the energy supplier regulator, Ofgem, online.