Warning issued about Green Deal fraudsters

TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality mark signposting consumers to tradesmen, has welcomed Action Fraud’s warning about doorstep fraudsters using the Green Deal to con homeowners, and is urging consumers to be wary of uninvited tradesmen and always check the credentials of any firm to ensure they are approved and reputable.  

Liz Male, Chairman of TrustMark said: “I would advise homeowners who are thinking of having any work carried out on their home to only use reputable firms they know or that can be properly checked out.  

"We know that the Government’s Green Deal, which supports energy efficient improvements, can only be delivered by approved green deal advisors and installers so consumers need to be wary of people dropping in on them and offering special deals or telling them that their property is unsafe and needs urgent work.

“Doorstep selling and telephone cold calls need be handled particularly carefully.  Never be pressurised into making a decision on the spot - there’s nothing that can’t wait until you have had time to do some checks.

“There will be many homes that will need essential repairs before any energy saving measures can be effectively installed so our advice to all customers is to check the ID of any Green Deal firm, don’t be tempted to ask an installer to do extra property repair work just because they are already in your home, and always insist on using a TrustMark-registered tradesman for any home repair, maintenance or improvement work.”

For further information or if you have any queries about the Green Deal, call the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234.