Elderly Helston couple targeted in home insulation scam

An elderly couple from Helston fell victim to a home insulation scam recently sparking a fresh warning from Cornwall Council regarding rogue traders.

The couple were told by a salesman that the Government would fine them £1,000 each year if they didn't make improvements to their home insulation. This was a lie and no such fine exists.

Following the scam, Cornwall Council's Trading Standards team is warning residents to be wary of home insulation scams.

With energy prices rising and winter on its way, many people are looking at ways to improve the energy efficiency of their home.

Unfortunately, this has provided an opportunity for rogue installers to pressure people into agreeing to work that is unsuitable for their property.

Although the couple cancelled the contract within the 14-day cooling-off period, they had already paid a £430 deposit for spray foam insulation works to be carried out.

The total cost of the works would have been £8,000. They are now receiving support to secure a refund for the deposit they paid.

Gary Webster, Senior Trading Standards Officer at Cornwall Council, said:

"It is important to be wary of businesses cold calling you to offer energy efficiency measures for your home. We regularly receive complaints each year about installers who claim to be working on behalf of the Government or the Council, offering grant-funded work.

"This case was particularly shocking, as the customers were misled into believing that they would face massive fines if they did not improve their insulation."

Community Energy Plus is a social enterprise that provides free advice to people about energy efficiency.

Laura Tregonning, Senior Project Manager at Community Energy Plus, added:

"Spray foam insulation is a technology that's suitable in some situations, but careful advice should be sought before making a commitment.

"We're Cornwall's energy advice charity and would recommend that if anyone in Cornwall is contacted by a company offering this measure, that they should be on their guard and contact us on 0800 954 1956 before signing anything or paying a deposit."

If you want to report a scam relating to energy efficiency, or want further advice on legal rights, you can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

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