City of Wolverhampton Council is asking people to be alert after callers claiming to be from the council have approached residents.
The callers say they are offering grants under the Green Home Grant Scheme and Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
The Green Home Grant scheme, launched by the Government in September, has been designed to offer homeowners and tenants incentives to increase the energy efficiency of their properties. Contractors must be approved and registered by the Simple Energy Advice Service.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a Government efficiency scheme aimed at reducing carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty. Suppliers must promote measures which improve the ability of low income, fuel poor and vulnerable households to heat their homes, including replacing or upgrading heating systems.
Cold callers are approaching residents and showing paperwork which displays the council logo in connection with the schemes.
However, City of Wolverhampton Council has not authorised door knocking on its behalf nor does it work in partnership with or promote contractors, or check the quality of work completed.
If cold callers approach, residents are being advised to ask for a copy of the paperwork and time to consider the deal. They can also check that the contractor is approved by the Simple Energy Advice Service or telephone 0800 444 202.
Councillor Linda Leach, Cabinet member for Adults, said: “With the bad weather drawing in, people may be thinking about how to heat their houses, but we are urging residents to carefully check anything they are told on the doorstep or over the phone.
“Everyone has the right to feel secure in their own homes and we always urge people to be wary of cold callers and not make decisions or sign up to anything straight away.
“Genuine callers won’t mind if you ask to check their identity or call back another day.”
Other tips to residents include being wary of ‘One Time Only Special Offers’ or ‘Today Only Discounts’ which encourage you to sign up straight away.
If you do decide to enter into a contract while at home, you should be provided with a 14 day cancellation period. You should also receive pre contractual information which specifies the name and address of the seller, a description of the goods or services provided, any guarantees and costs.
Residents can report concerns to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, freephone 0808 223 1133.
