New Green Homes Grant Scheme Scam

The government announced on Tuesday 7^th July the new Green Homes Grant scheme – that grants for energy-saving home improvements including insulation and double glazing would be available from September. By the following day, Wednesday, scammers had started making phone calls to residents in Bishops Stortford, pretending to be a part of this scheme.

Hertfordshire County Council Trading Standards advises that if you receive a call referring to a grant for loft insulation or cavity wall insulation it is a scam.

Just say ‘no thank you’ and terminate the call.

The genuine scheme will launch in September, with online applications being required for recommended energy efficiency measures, giving details of accredited local suppliers. Once one of these suppliers has provided a quote and the work is approved, the voucher is issued. There is no cold calling involved. It is up to the homeowner to make the approach, so instantly you know it’s a scam if you are contacted out of the blue.

Please warn family and friends who may be vulnerable to these types of scams.

If you have fallen for a scam please report it to Action Fraud or call them on 0300 123 2040.

For advice or to ask for help for a scams victim from Trading Standards please call the Citizens Advice Helpline on 0808 223 1133.