Scam alert - bogus boiler company
Scammers are trying to take advantage of local residents by claiming that they are working with Inverclyde Council to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Currently the council IS working with the Wise Group and the Home Energy Scotland Team to help householders use less energy and cut their fuel bills.
A few weeks ago, people living in the west end of Greenock were sent letters by the Wise Group and Inverclyde Council, explaining how to arrange a free visit from the Home Energy Scotland Team or the Wise Group.
Scammers are now trying to piggy-back on this genuine initiative.
A worried resident in Eldon Street, Greenock, called the council, after he feared he had let scammers into his home.
The resident was cold called by a boiler and insulation company claiming to be working for the council. He became suspicious because the letter they provided was unprofessional and wasn’t on genuine, Inverclyde Council note paper. The firm claimed a new boiler and insulation would be installed free. The company has been pushing the householder to let them back to do a survey.
A spokesperson for Inverclyde Council said, “We want to alert householders that there are people cold calling and pretending to be part of this process when they are not. We strongly suspect that somewhere along the line, there is likely to be a demand for money regardless of previous claims that the work will be done free of charge.
“The only people that the council is working with on this project are the Wise Group and the Home Energy Scotland Team.”