Trading Standards - Energy Grant Scams

29th August 2024

38% of those surveyed had experienced a scam related to energy saving measures.

In most cases, this involved a cold caller providing misleading information about the availability of grants or funding for products such as insulation, boilers and double glazing.

One survey respondent received several cold calls saying that homeowners in his area had been selected to receive grants for energy saving products.

Another cold caller said they had a contract with the local council to carry out renewable energy works and that funding was available. They asked for personal information and copies of the householder's tax credit paperwork, supposedly so that they could check whether they were eligible to receive a grant or funding to install renewable energy measures.

In one case, a cold caller told a householder that they would be eligible to receive free insulation if they could prove they were in fuel poverty and asked to see their recent bank statements.

How to Avoid
Many councils do offer funding and grants for energy products to eligible households. 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.

If a cold caller says they are working for your local council, ask them to wait and phone the council using a publicly listed number to verify their identity. Genuine callers will be happy to wait while you do this.

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
ScamShare Spotlight PDF on energy scams: www.tsscot.co.uk/Spotlight-Energy.pdf