Complaints have been received by Trading Standards Officers in both Yorkshire and South Wales. West Yorkshire Trading Standards say it has received dozens of complaints from the public, regarding door-step selling by people using the names of bogus government grants to sell services at exaggerated prices.
NAPIT director of standards, David Cowburn, said: “This news shouldn’t put people off considering a Green Deal plan but it’s vital that consumers look out for the Green Deal Quality Mark and verify this by checking on the Green Deal Participant Register. With greater awareness of what the Green Deal involves, consumers can get some of the great savings on offer with the confidence to avoid exploitation by rogue traders. Free impartial advice can also be obtained from the Energy Saving Advice Service: 0300 123 1234.
“It should be emphasised that not all doorstep sellers and cold callers will be fraudulent. However, consumers should be cautious. Don’t be rushed into making a decision by hard-sell tactics. These practices are prohibited under the Green Deal code of practice Do some research – or seek independent advice – to verify claims, particularly if traders ask for money upfront.”
Green Deal Certified Assessor Organisations and Installers, as well as a range of other competent registered installers can be found at: www.napit.org.uk/consumer/fastSearch.aspx