There are reports of cold callers who claim to be loft insulation companies and are attempting to sell ventilated cavity fire barrier them work. They can sound incredibly genuine but are a nightmare to deal with.
These scammers are trying to convince people to share their bank details and pay an 'admin fee' in order to secure a Government energy efficiency grant. It is a major concern and trading standards teams say they are getting more reports of fraud.
1. They call you on the phone.
It’s not just Amazon Prime that has a fake caller, there’s also an alarming rise in the number of calls from companies offering to carry out loft insulation surveys or telling you that your insulation needs replacing. Trading standards officers from Hampshire County Council say they’re now seeing a large number of these fraudulent calls, claiming to be from local authorities and making exaggerated claims about foam insulation’s ability to prevent heat loss.
They also tend to be very skilful at getting you to provide personal details, including your bank account numbers. In one case, a resident of First Garden Cities Homes in Letchworth Garden City was offered free loft insulation but hung up before she could give the conmen her bank details. So, the best way to avoid this kind of fraud is by checking the company’s reputation online, reading customer reviews and checking whether the deal is genuine before you part with any money or information.
2. They send you an email.
Traders are using misleading marketing to imply that you can secure free energy-efficiency grants for installing insulation. This is a scam. These companies are not approved by the Scottish Government, and their goods usually do not meet the required standards, are not fit for purpose or do not deliver the benefits promised before installation.
Many traders also use slick cold calls to try and persuade people to hand over their bank details, or even share personal information that can lead to identity theft. These callers can be incredibly convincing and are skilled at stealing money from victims, who are often in desperate need of help. Thankfully, there are some genuine loft insulation companies out there, but you should be careful who you choose to work with. If you are ever suspicious about a caller, it is best to call the Trading Standards team. You can also check whether a company is registered with the Scottish Government by visiting its website. Alternatively, you can contact your local authority. If you do decide to go ahead with a survey, remember to ask to see proof of insurance and the company’s credentials.
3. They send you a letter.
The latest scam to hit the UK is a series of cold calls claiming to offer free loft insulation. The callers claim to be working on behalf of the government and are offering spray foam insulation with mould-killing properties. They also use exaggerated claims about its ability to save energy and prevent heat loss.
One elderly woman was called by a company and asked how old her existing loft insulation was. The caller said that any insulation laid over two years ago could be dangerous due to loose fibres and advised her to remove it and have it refitted. They told her that, if she needed to do so, she may be eligible to receive free loft insulation under a Scottish Government campaign. She was not impressed with the call and did not agree to arrange an appointment.
Trading standards teams in Hampshire are warning residents against these cold callers who use 'pressure tactics' to persuade people into paying an 'admin fee' of PS50 to PS250 for the survey. They then fail to return to carry out the work, and victims are left with no way of contacting them to get their money back.
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4. They send you a cheque.
You’ll probably receive a cheque in the post, or it may even be handed to you over the phone. However, that doesn’t mean it is legitimate, and you need to beware of a fake cheque scam.
The first sign that the cheque is not genuine comes when you are asked to send it in a way that doesn’t involve your bank. This usually means sending it to a different account, although they may also suggest that it is for some sort of handling fee or tax or to buy supplies on their behalf.
It’s also a common tactic to say you can’t deposit the cheque immediately, so they need to wire the money straight away. This can often be done to avoid the bank contacting you – or just to get the funds into their account before you realise they are fake.
One example of this was a fake call from a company offering to carry out surveys on the loft insulation in an elderly woman’s home. The company claimed that any insulation over two years old was unsafe due to loose fibres, and needed to be removed and refitted. The lady told the caller she would consider it, but the scammers kept phoning her.
Beware of any company that claims they can give you free insulation or other green energy products. Legitimate businesses do not make these kinds of claims, and they will never ask you to send them money. If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be a trader, contact the Trading Standards office for more information.