Alert over tricksters in energy deal scam

Chiefs in Wolverhampton said residents should be on their guard against the cold callers who claim to offer grants under two government schemes.

The fake officials have also been showing paperwork which displays the Wolverhampton Council logo in connection with the energy grants.

Now leaders at the authority have reassured people they have not authorised door knocking – and urged residents to be on their guard.

Councillor Linda Leach, cabinet member for adults, said: “With the bad weather drawing in, people may be thinking about how to heat their houses, but we are urging residents to carefully check anything they are told on the doorstep or over the phone.

“Everyone has the right to feel secure in their own homes and we always urge people to be wary of cold callers and not make decisions or sign up to anything straight away.

“Genuine callers won’t mind if you ask to check their identity or call back later another day.”

The bogus callers say they are offering grants under the Green Home Grant Scheme and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) – both government schemes.

The Green Home Grant scheme offers homeowners and tenants incentives to increase the energy efficiency of their properties. Contractors must be approved and registered by the Simple Energy Advice Service.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is an efficiency scheme aimed at reducing carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty. Suppliers must promote measures which improve the ability of low income, fuel poor and vulnerable households to heat their homes, including replacing or upgrading heating systems.

Chiefs at Wolverhampton Council have confirmed it has not authorised door knocking on its behalf nor does it work in partnership with or promote contractors, nor check the quality of work completed. They warn people to be wary of special offers, like “today only” discounts.