Trading Standards - Energy Grant Scams

17th January 2025

During the colder months there is always an increase in reports of cold calls and messages from scammers who provide misleading information about the availability of grants or funding for energy efficiency products such as insulation, boilers and double glazing.

38% of respondents to our most recent Big Scottish Scam Survey had experienced one of these scams.

One consumer was cold called and offered a ‘Government-backed grant' to fit new windows and doors. The caller offered to make an appointment to visit the property to carry out a free survey, but ended the call when the consumer asked which Government was providing the funding and where this could be verified.

There are also regular reports of doorstep scammers who claim to work for the local council. They offer householders a prize if they will allow them to inspect their boiler, saying that they may be eligible to receive a free replacement.
One couple who were cold called felt suspicious and asked the caller to provide his details and to wait while they contacted the council to verify his identity. The man left without giving them any information and the council confirmed that they did not have any workers in the area.

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

Don’t fill out any online forms or questionnaires from adverts about energy efficiency measures and don't take part in any phone surveys from cold callers. These are usually designed to collect data and generate leads for companies who engage in misleading marketing.

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 you’re struggling to heat your home, you could be eligible for support from the Scottish Government’s area-based schemes to make your home warmer and lower your carbon emissions.
Find out more at www.homeenergyscotland.org/area-based-schemes

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.

Sign up for Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alerts to stay up to date with what is going on in your community: www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

Report any suspicious behaviour to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Report scams to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or via scamwatch.scot.

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