Eco 4 identity theft fears

Slonvinton

The way the Eco 4 scheme is run seems to make those using it vulnerable to identity theft.

The installers have to be registered but these are not the firms that seem to be out there touting for business. 
Its surveying firms that are putting up ads for Eco4- and they are asking for documentation from customers in line with what is required for setting up a bank account or getting a loan. There seems to be no way to check the legitimacy of these companies. 

How can we be sure we are giving our data to a decent company rather than a scammer?

QrizB

Slonvinton said:

How can we be sure we are giving our data to a decent company rather than a scammer?

Apply via your energy supplier or your local council.

Using any of the suspicious-looking middlemen is putting yourself at risk, not just of identity theft but of having a deficient ECO4 installation and no-one to pursue to rectify it.

Slonvinton

My local council isnt involved in the process and my energy supplier isnt offering any help either.

FreeBear

Slonvinton said:

My local council isnt involved in the process and my energy supplier isnt offering any help either.

Most (all ?) councils will have a Warm Homes team. Even if they are not involved in ECO4 grants, they should be able to signpost you towards a reputable outfit.

Netexporter

The local authority do the financial checks to see if you are eligible for the grant.

Slonvinton

Netexporter said:

The local authority do the financial checks to see if you are eligible for the grant.

As far as Im aware its the DWP that are doing the checks for eligibility; I know my council has no involvement as I asked them questions about the scheme and for advice on an installer and they said they had no involvement. Eco Flex is not happening here at all as the council opted out.

The Warm Homes Team told me they had no involvement with Eco4 and signposted me to other schemes run by Home Energy Scotland.  

maxmycardagain

Slonvinton said:

My local council isnt involved in the process and my energy supplier isnt offering any help either.

there was a HMG "household help fund" giving out £300 energy grants and £65 supermarket voucher but it was not generally advertised


https://www.gov.uk/cost-living-help-local-council

QrizB

Slonvinton said:

My local council isnt involved in the process and my energy supplier isnt offering any help either.

You are with one of the smaller energy suppliers, then?

You can contact any of the "obligated" energy companies, you aren't restricted to the one that supplies you.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco/energy-company-obligation-eco-homeowners-and-tenants

Netexporter

I'm with Octopus but EDF paid for my solar panels and heat pump.