Elderly and vulnerable are primary targets
Rogue traders are operating on the Isle of Man and their primary targets are the elderly and the vulnerable.
The Office of Fair Trading has issued advice about how people can protect themselves from being ripped off.
Residents should only use respected local traders and if they become aware of anything suspicious they should contact the OFT immediately.
Chair John Wannenburgh says they rely on the information they're given:
Mr Wannenburgh is set to take over as the chair of Manx Utilities later this month, subject to Tynwald approval.