Third of homeowners targeted by scam green energy schemes

SCAMMERS are exploiting interest in climate change to con people with fake boiler rules and green energy schemes, National Trading Standards has warned.

The consumer protection body said boilers, insulation and double glazing were frequently mentioned by rogue operators to make adverts via phones and emails appear convincing.

More than a third of homeowners have been targeted by a green scam in the past year, Citizens Advice found.

Two thirds of adults are thinking about making their home more energy efficient in the next 12 months, but 36 per cent have suffered a related scam.

A quarter of those realised they were being targeted, but 5.2 million people fell for such scams this year, the Savanta poll of 2,100 adults suggested.

Wendy Martin, of Trading Standards, said: “Criminals are exploiting people’s efforts to make their homes more environmentally friendly. Residents are pressured on doorsteps and peppered with calls, emails and texts, which often include false claims about government schemes and regulations with regard to boilers, insulation and double glazing.

“We urge people to report anything suspicious and to protect themselves and their families from fraud by taking part in the free Friends Against Scams awareness training at scams.org.uk.”

Dame Clare Moriarty, of Citizens Advice, added: “With two thirds of us thinking about making our homes more energy efficient, it’s important that we know how to stay safe. We can report scams. But it also needs to be made easy to find a trustworthy trader.”

Ministers are giving out £5,000 vouchers for households to switch from gas boilers to heat pumps, which are less polluting but remain costly. However, currently just 90,000 can benefit from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme which means others must search for deals.

At present, heat pumps far outstrip the price of conventional boilers, which cost between £1,500 to £3,500. The Government wants to halve the cost of heat pumps by 2025 ahead of a ban on installing gas boilers from 2035.

John Herriman, of Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: “It is essential that consumers contact organisations such as Citizens Advice for guidance to feel confident and informed when choosing a green product or service.

“It is their confidence that propels the economic recovery forward and helps the country achieve its net zero targets in the green space.”

Citizens Advice recommends being suspicious of scammers acting as professional businesses, asking for ID, searching companies on the gov.uk website, ensuring antivirus software is updated, using a strong password for online accounts, not rushing into quick decisions and never giving personal details or money to people you do not know or trust.

‘We urge people to report anything suspicious and to protect themselves and their families from fraud’