Trading Standards - Warranty Scams

18th September 2025

There have been reports of cold callers who offer a special deal on an insurance policy to cover all electrical products in your home.

They ask you what products you have and how old they are, then offer to send a quote via email.

Some consumers have also been called by a scammer who says the insurance policy on their broadband equipment is about to expire and that if they don't renew it immediately they could be liable for the cost of replacing it, which would be hundreds of pounds.

One consumer who received this call was told that the renewed insurance policy would also cover his television equipment. He was asked to provide his personal and bank details to allow the caller to set up a direct debit, but felt suspicious and hung up. He contacted SKY, who confirmed that the call was a scam.

Misleading sales of insurance or warranties for white goods and appliances are among the most commonly reported phone scams in Scotland.

How to Avoid
If you receive a cold call about appliance insurance or warranties and are not sure whether it is legitimate, hang up and contact your insurance provider or the original supplier to verify.
Don’t agree to make any payments on the spot and never give a cold caller any personal information or bank details, even if they seem to know some of your details already.

If you are worried about a relative receiving scam calls, you can sign them up to the Telephone Preference Service for free by calling 034 070 0707 or online at www.tpsonline.org.uk.
Many home phone providers offer services (some of which are free) to block unwanted calls.
There is also a range of standalone devices that can be used to block/ monitor calls such as trueCall Secure call blockers.

Find out More
ScamShare Spotlight: www.tsscot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Spotlight-Warranty-Insurance.pdf