Trading Standards - Energy Grant Scams

31st October 2025

48% of respondents to the Big Scottish Scams Survey had experienced an energy scam in the last year.

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

In one recent case, a woman was cold called by a salesperson who handed her a leaflet and claimed he was working on behalf of the Scottish Government to offer free home improvements, including boilers.

He said that anyone on benefits would be 'at the top of the queue' to have work carried out on their property, then asked the woman to provide details about her income and any benefits she received.

She felt suspicious and refused to answer, at which point the man became irritated and left, shouting that she wouldn't receive any discounts now.

Several householders have also recently been cold called by a company who say they are working in partnership with a charitable organisation to offer grants for the installation of new double glazing.

The caller typically says that the householder could be eligible to receive a 'Government-backed grant' to fit new windows and doors. They ask them to visit a website, which is designed using logos and styles similar to Scottish Government websites in order to appear legitimate.

This scam website includes a link to apply for a 'double glazing grant' - householders are asked to fill out personal details, including their employment status and income, to see if they are eligible to receive the grant.

After filling this in, they are typically called and offered an appointment to carry out a 'free' survey of their existing windows and doors. During this visit, a salesperson often provides 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 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
ScamShare Spotlight PDF on energy scams: www.tsscot.co.uk/Spotlight-Energy.pdf