Derby City Council Trading Standards team is advising Derby residents to beware of potential scams following the Government announcement of £2 billion for ‘Green Homes’ grants.

The grants are expected to be available from September, with eligible homeowners entitled to receive vouchers to help pay for environmentally friendly improvements to their home, such as installing loft, floor and wall insulation.

Trading Standards have already received one report from a Derby resident of a potential scam phone call where the caller claimed that the homeowner was eligible for loft insulation under the Green Homes grant available from the Government.  In this case, the resident identified it as a possible scam and hung up.

As the exact details of the scheme are yet to be released, we advise residents to remain cautious and #ScamAware if you receive any phone calls, texts, emails or doorstep calls from any traders assuring you that you or your property will be eligible for the scheme at present.  Eligibility and the criteria required to be met for your home to qualify is simply not known at present.

Unfortunately, the Trading Standards team suspects that unscrupulous traders will see the introduction of this scheme as an opportunity to secure employment on false pretences and to scam consumers.

The Which? website reports that applicants will likely be expected to:

  • Complete an online application for one of the recommended home improvements
  • Obtain a quote from a listed supplier
  • Obtain approval for the quote before receiving the voucher to spend

Councillor Jonathan Smale, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetpride said:

This is a national issue and whilst we’ve only had one report here in Derby I’ve no doubt that sadly it won’t be the last. As ever, I’d urge residents to be #ScamAware and to think carefully about what information you’re sharing and what you’re agreeing to.

Various types of scams arising from the coronavirus pandemic have been reported thus far and have been reaching people through numerous channels including on the doorstep, by telephone, through social media quizzes, by text and email.

More information about the outbreak of scams can be found on the Chartered Trading Standards Institute website.

Trading Standards would like to remind residents to remain vigilant and #ScamAware throughout this challenging time and can report issues to Trading Standards and obtain consumer advice through Citizens Advice and Consumer Service 0808 223 11 33 and report fraud  through Action Fraud 0300 123 2040