Door to door free insulation - scam?

Illarion

I own my house, and am not on any qualifying benefits.

Twice today I've had people calling at the door, telling me they can offer me free loft insulation through Nationwide Energy (though in both cases, they actually worked for a different company - two separate companies - touting for business for NE).

I pointed out that as far as I was aware, there is no longer free insulation available to everyone, and asked if they were offering the Green Deal - both claimed not. I actually went through the signup process with the first one, which got as far as filling in some forms, then calling Nationwide Energy, who said "oh, we can't help them unless they are in receipt of qualifying benefits" - exactly as I expected.

At this point, I assumed the first one was just out of date/ill informed/crazy, and went about my day. But when the second came around - and I related the story thus far - they still swore blind that there was a (non-Green-deal) scheme whereby I could get free loft insulation.

Does this make any sense? Is there a shred of truth behind this? Or are they just wrong/scammers?

Thing is, I am kicking myself for missing the free insulation when it was available, and I would really like it - but these people really don't seem to know as much about the subject even as I do, and they don't inspire a lot of confidence. Anyone know the true story?

Ecodave

The answer is ....... It depends.

Not sure what you have got to lose from going ahead though, if they are telling you that you qualify let them install it. Get a contract off of them for the work and don't pay them a penny.

For the record, the old schemes went in December, but a new Energy Company Obligation scheme came into force in January. Slightly different approach, so either you, your house, or your location has to qualify for the free grants. Ask them how you qualify?

Richie-from-the-Boro

Illarion wrote: »

I own my house, and am not on any qualifying benefits.

Twice today I've had people calling at the door, telling me they can offer me free loft insulation through Nationwide Energy (though in both cases, they actually worked for a different company - two separate companies - touting for business for NE).

I pointed out that as far as I was aware, there is no longer free insulation available to everyone, and asked if they were offering the Green Deal - both claimed not. I actually went through the signup process with the first one, which got as far as filling in some forms, then calling Nationwide Energy, who said "oh, we can't help them unless they are in receipt of qualifying benefits" - exactly as I expected.

At this point, I assumed the first one was just out of date/ill informed/crazy, and went about my day. But when the second came around - and I related the story thus far - they still swore blind that there was a (non-Green-deal) scheme whereby I could get free loft insulation.

Does this make any sense? Is there a shred of truth behind this? Or are they just wrong/scammers?

Thing is, I am kicking myself for missing the free insulation when it was available, and I would really like it - but these people really don't seem to know as much about the subject even as I do, and they don't inspire a lot of confidence. Anyone know the true story?

99% a scam see here. I had three different 'leaflets' through my door just this very day, each and every one of the three was 'free' - if it walks and quacks it is ! - do NOT sign anything.

brewerdave

I've had several phone calls from Nationwide in the evenings over the past two weeks or so - I let the first one start his spiel which revolved around a free boiler!!...I asked him whether there were any conditions and he said No!!! Told him he was a lying toe-rag and hung up...but still they try!!!!

Ecodave

brewerdave wrote: »

I've had several phone calls from Nationwide in the evenings over the past two weeks or so - I let the first one start his spiel which revolved around a free boiler!!...I asked him whether there were any conditions and he said No!!! Told him he was a lying toe-rag and hung up...but still they try!!!!

Hi Brewerdave,

I can't vouch for the company in question, but I understand that there are funds from the Energy Company Obligation that will pay for a boiler to be replaced. He may of course still be a lying toe-rag.:D

Richie-from-the-Boro

Ecodave wrote: »

Hi Brewerdave,

I can't vouch for the company in question, but I understand that there are funds from the Energy Company Obligation that will pay for a boiler to be replaced. He may of course still be a lying toe-rag.:D

HiYa Ecodave,

So you are saying that I can, or you on behalf of 'brewerdave' can .. .. get funding from " the Energy Company Obligation" and replace his boiler only. And this will involve no further work whatsoever anywhere in the dwelling, he will get a warranty on the boiler and its installation and a cast iron guarantee that he will not need to spend one penny cash or credit now or in the future to have this boiler replaced. Is that correct ?

Ecodave

Hi Richie,

I think my post speaks for itself. I merely try to point out that the immediate rejection of such proposals without fair consideration may result in an individual missing out on funding for something that might be beneficial to them. I make no assertion about the particular companies offer.

Not sure what your point about "his boiler only" refers to? Have you misunderstood something?

I understand that there are funds available under ECO for boiler replacement, no doubt there will be criteria to be met to access the funding. I haven't looked into the full details, as its not something that I am going to be directly involved in. I can make some enquiries for you if you are interested?

Ecodave

By "his boiler only" you mean, no further measures in his house. Sorry, I read that as the scheme applied just to brewerdaves boiler! D'oh!

Herongull

Never deal with cold-callers (whether on the phone or at the door).

If they have to cold-call, then whatever they are selling cannot be a reasonable deal. Good deals sell themselves by word of mouth, forums such as this etc

Cold callers are often scammers. They may come in to do a "survey", but then claim that your property doesn't qualify for some reason but they can sell you a "subsidised" product for £££. Or perhaps they are checking out the property for the purpose of burglary or they may be distraction thieves.

Use common sense at all times.

Here is an earlier thread about Nationwide. They seem to target elderly vulnerable people and one person ended up having to call the police.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3121348

Ecodave

Herongull, I agree with the sentiment about cold callers, I never give them the time of day myself. But not every offer is a scam. Last years free insulation offer as CERT drew to a close benefitted many who took it up. Sadly, the energy industry persists with this method of reaching customers. The current tranche of offers under the Energy Company Obligation are largely being sold door-to-door.

I have no problem with dissuading the public from dealing with the door knockers, lets just stay away from slagging off the schemes which can deliver real benefits to people in need of help.

Herongull

There is no "free insulation" or "free boilers" available to everyone now. Fact.

If any cold caller suggests otherwise, then what does this tell you about them or their methods.

The ECO is means tested with complex eligibility criteria and is for low income and vulnerable households only.

Any improvements funded by the Green Deal has to be repaid with interest via your energy bills. The charge is attached to your meter so the payments are made whether or not you change suppliers.

If you are interested in either scheme, by all means apply directly.

But do not encourage dodgy cold callers to harass vulnerable people by giving them the time of day.