Criminals ‘bombarding’ homeowners with fraudulent energy offers 

Scammers are “bombarding” homeowners with fraudulent offers on green energy or insulation to allegedly boost their property value and cash in on the cost of living crisis.

The National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB) has warned that the number of scams has now reached epidemic proportions and will only increase in 2023. 

Spokesman Jonathan Rolande said: “There are more and more scams out there and fraudsters are becoming so much more sophisticated in the way they target their victims.

“As well as out-and-out cons linked to offers on green energy and insulation, criminals are now using creative marketing which imply Government backing.

“Some of the scams we’ve seen are linked to subsidies such as scrappage schemes for boilers or grants for insulation. Very often these take the form of discounts on already inflated prices.

“Unsolicited texts and emails, which are increasing in number too, should be treated with suspicion. Many scammers use these to prey on those hoping to save money on their spiralling energy costs. It’s reached epidemic proportions.”

The NAPB warning comes after Trading Standards warned the number of households being offered fake green home improvements had nearly doubled in a month. 

Trading Standards said fraudsters were trying to capitalise on the push towards "net zero". 

An analysis of 10,000 call-blocking devices showed an 85% month-on-month increase in scam artists offering households bogus grants for solar panels, loft insulation, spray foam, double or triple glazing and new boilers.

Trading Standards said households also faced an "onslaught of calls" from scammers trying to capitalise on rising energy prices.

People have been under pressure to make green improvements to their homes by 2035, when properties are expected to have a "band C" energy performance certificate rating.

As part of its drive to phase out gas boilers, the Government is also aiming to install 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028, despite low demand from homeowners and a shortage of engineers accredited to fit them.

As a result, Trading Standards said a third of people have been targeted by home improvement criminals.