'Green Grants' scams on the rise
Published: 14 October 2020
Trading Standards is advising Derby residents to beware of potential scams
Derby City Council Trading Standards team is advising Derby residents to beware of potential scams following the launch of the Government ‘Green Homes’ grants scheme.
The scheme which was launched on 30th September, “will provide a voucher up to £5,000 to those eligible that covers up to two-thirds of the cost of energy efficiency and low carbon heat improvements to your home.
“You may be able to receive a bigger grant if you are a homeowner and you or a member of your household receives one of the qualifying benefits. The government will cover 100% of the cost of the improvements up to £10,000.”
You can check your eligibility on the Green Homes Grant website.
We advise residents to remain cautious and #ScamAware if you receive any phone calls, texts, emails or doorstep calls from any traders assuring you that you or your property will be eligible for the scheme at present. Eligibility and the criteria required to be met for your home to qualify is simply not known at present.
Whilst this is a national issue Trading Standards received reports of cold callers claiming that Derby residents are eligible for loft insulation. The scheme website states that “the Green Homes Grant scheme will never include official representatives coming to your property uninvited or cold calling on the phone to encourage you to join the scheme.”
Trading Standards always advise residents to say NO to unexpected doorstep or cold callers and to obtain at least 3 quotes from different traders if work is required at your home.
Residents may find the Buy with Confidence scheme helpful when obtaining 3 quotes. Buy with Confidence is a nationally recognised Trading Standards trader approval scheme. Members have been visited, vetted and approved by Trading Standards throughout the UK.
Information on BWC can be found here.
Councillor Jonathan Smale, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetpride said:
Unfortunately, the Trading Standards team suspects that unscrupulous traders will see the introduction of this scheme as an opportunity to secure employment on false pretences and to scam consumers. As ever, I’d urge residents to be #ScamAware and to think carefully about what information you’re sharing and what you’re agreeing to.
Various types of scams arising from the coronavirus pandemic have been reported thus far and have been reaching people through numerous channels including on the doorstep, by telephone, through social media quizzes, by text and email.
More information about the outbreak of scams can be found on the Chartered Trading Standards Institute website here.
Trading Standards would like to remind residents to remain vigilant and #ScamAware throughout this challenging time and can report issues to Trading Standards and obtain consumer advice through Citizens Advice and Consumer Service 0808 223 11 33 and report fraud through Action Fraud 0300 123 2040