Edit Article

Headline

Date

Submitted By

Submitted By E-mail Address

Article

There have been reports of cold callers targeting ex-council properties and offering residents a 30% discount on new windows and doors if they sign up immediately. They say they are affiliated with the local council, which is not true.

Earlier this year there were similar reports of doorstep scammers who said they were working in partnership with a charitable organisation to offer grants for the installation of new windows.

The cold callers told householders they could be eligible to receive a 'Government-backed grant' to fit new windows and doors and asked them to visit a website, which was been designed to look like a legitimate Scottish Government website.

This copycat website included a link to apply for a 'double glazing grant', which asked residents to fill out their personal details, including their employment status and income, to see if they were eligible to receive the grant.

After filling this in, they were typically called and offered an appointment to carry out a 'free' survey of their existing windows and doors. During this visit, a salesperson often provided misleading information about the availability of grants.

How to Avoid
Don't accept any information from online adverts or cold callers about energy saving measures such as double glazing without doing independent research, particularly if they tell you that there are grants or funding schemes available.

Many councils do offer funding and grants for energy products to eligible households via Area Based Schemes. If a cold caller says that you are eligible for a grant or funding for energy efficiency improvements in your home, such as new boilers, insulation, heating or windows, always verify that their offer is valid before agreeing to any deal.

You can do this by calling Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 or visiting www.homeenergyscotland.org - they will be able to tell you about any funding available in your area. They also offer free and impartial information about energy saving measures.

Avoid taking part in any phone surveys from cold callers or following their instructions to fill out online forms or questionnaires about energy efficiency measures. These are designed to collect data and generate leads for companies who engage in misleading marketing.

If you are thinking about installing energy efficiency measures in your home, seek impartial advice from trusted companies rather than trusting cold callers or online adverts.

Find out More
Home Energy Scotland: www.homeenergyscotland.org
Trading Standards Scotland website: www.tsscot.co.uk/priority-areas/energy-marketing-scams

Link To Group ID 1: 2: 3: 4: 5:

Photo Gallery Link

Video Link

Photo

Authorised

Statistics Views: 282 this month :: 282 in total.