Energy scams costing Scots more than £5,000 a week, figures show

With consumer watchdog Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) issuing a warning about energy scams – as figures show they are costing Scots more than £5,000 a week – Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, says fraudsters are ruining the credibility of genuine energy efficiency work.

He said: “People are trying to do the right thing, keeping their home warm and their bills down through home improvements, but they have been cheated by criminals who saw their worry as an opportunity.

“It is sickening that anyone would prey on households already struggling through years of unaffordable energy costs.

“These actions cause a wider damage too. Every fake inspection and botched job undermines confidence in the genuine energy efficiency work that is essential to making Scotland’s homes warmer and cheaper to heat.

“People want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and they need to know that the help on offer can be trusted. If people have any doubts about a quote they should check with Home Energy Scotland, Citizens Advice or other consumer groups for a second opinion before going ahead.”