Green scam rogue traders targeted in new crackdown
Trading Standards are cracking down on rogue traders who offer fictitious grants under the Green Deal – a scheme which ended 16 months ago.
The “Keep Rogues in the Cold” campaign, which begins tomorrow, w i l l expose scammers and urge victims to report suspicious doorstep and telephone activity.
The purge comes as the Information Commissioner in Scotland reported 23,000 complaints this year about nuisance cal ls and text messages selling energysaving services.
Trad ing St anda rds Scotland’s Fiona Richardson said: “Rogue traders always seek opportunities to dupe consumers and some still offer improvements under the Green Deal, which ceased in July 2015. The long-term repercussions of being caught out can be substantial. Sizeable debts can take years to repay.
“If you receive a telephone call or person at your door saying you have qualified for a government or any other grant, treat it with caution as often no grant exists.”
The two-week campaign is in conjunction with Citizens Advice Scotland and the Home Energ y Scotland scheme, which is managed by the Energy Saving Trust and funded by the Scottish Government.
The EST’s Mike Thornton said: “Energy Saving Trust and Home Energy Scotland never cold call. Anybody who is in any doubt about energy efficiency measures should call us.”
Citizens Advice Scotland’s Susan McPhee added: “It’s important to make sure people can tell the dif ference between genuine energy efficiency schemes and fake ones which are intended to scam them.”
Ken Macdonald, who heads up the Information Commissioner’s Office in Scotland, said: “Our greatest ally in the f ight against nuisance calls is the public.”
To report a rogue, contact Citizens Advice Scotland on 03454 040506.
For free advice on energy efficiency grants, contact HES on 0808 808 2282.