Households targeted by scammers offering £5,000 green energy vouchers – but scheme hasn’t launched yet
HOUSEHOLDS have been warned to watch out for fraudsters trying to scam them using fake green energy voucher applications.
Fraud prevention scheme Cifas says it’s heard of a rise in calls from scammers advising homeowners they are eligible for the government’s new Green Homes Grant, which will pay for energy efficient improvements.
Scammers then direct unsuspecting homeowners to an online application form where they fill in their personal information.
They’ll likely then use your details to try to commit identity fraud or to scam you out of your money.
But the scheme isn’t due to launch until September, so Cifas has warned that any calls about it now will be fraudulent.
We’ve asked for more information on what details the scammers ask for, how many people have reported the scam, and if anyone has lost cash as a result and we’ll update this story if we hear more.
As of July 8, a total of £11,316,266 had been reported stolen by 2,866 victims of coronavirus-related scams, according to crime reporting agency Action Fraud.
Meanwhile, it’s received 13,820 reports of coronavirus-related phishing emails.
The £2billion Green Homes Grant scheme was first announced by chancellor Rishi Sunak in his mini-Budget earlier this month.
How to protect yourself from scams
BY keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid getting caught up in a scam:
- Firstly, remember that if something seems too good to be true, it normally is.
- Check brands are “verified” on Facebook and Twitter pages – this means the company will have a blue tick on its profile.
- Look for grammatical and spelling errors; fraudsters are notoriously bad at writing proper English. If you receive a message from a “friend” informing you of a freebie, consider whether it’s written in your friend’s normal style.
- If you’re invited to click on a URL, hover over the link to see the address it will take you to – does it look genuine?
- To be on the really safe side, don’t click on unsolicited links in messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted contact.
- Be careful when opening email attachments too. Fraudsters are increasingly attaching files, usually PDFs or spreadsheets, which contain dangerous malware.
- If you receive a suspicious message then report it to the company, block the sender and delete it.
- If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use its .
Under the initiative, the government will cover at least two thirds of the cost homeowners spend on green upgrades, although those on the lowest incomes won’t have to pay anything.
Most households can get up to £5,000 to spend, while vulnerable households can get vouchers worth up to £10,000.
These can then be spent on loft, wall and floor insulation, eco-friendly boilers, heat pumps, double or triple-glazed windows, low-energy lighting and energy-efficient doors.
The government says it will provide extra work for plumbers, builders and tradesmen and help the Covid-hit economy recover.
Plus, being more energy-efficient should help households to save £600 a year on average on their energy bills, according to HM Treasury.
If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam you should contact your bank or card provider immediately and report the fraud online at or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Amber Burridge, head of fraud intelligence for Cifas said: “Stop and think carefully before responding to unsolicited calls, texts or emails, and always challenge requests for personal or financial information.
“Never feel rushed or pressured into a decision – it’s a well-known tactic that only criminals will use.”
Here’s how to cut your energy bills in the meantime.
Shoppers have also been warned to watch out for an Amazon scam where you’re conned into handing over your bank details.