The Green Home Scammers Trying to Take Advantage 

With energy bills high and households under pressure to go greener, scams linked to eco-friendly products are on the rise. Fraudsters are targeting UK homeowners with fake grants, poor-quality installs, and unsafe electrical work. Staying alert is the best way to avoid f inancial loss or safety risks. 

What is a green home scam? 

These scams usually centre on energy-saving products such as solar panels, cavity wall insulation or smart lighting. In some cases, rogue traders promise government-backed grants that don’t exist. Others ask for deposits upfront, then vanish without completing the work. 

A common tactic is the “good Samaritan” approach: a tradesperson knocks at your door claiming your system is unsafe and offers to upgrade it. The result is often an overpriced, poor-quality job — or no work at all. 

For background on how legitimate safety training works, see Access Equipment Lesson 1. Rogue traders cut corners, but qualified sparks know compliance comes first. 

Why are scams increasing? 

Scammers follow trends. Right now, energy efficiency and net zero are at the centre of government policy. Grants and incentives exist, but many homeowners are unclear on how they work, which makes them vulnerable. 

With high demand for greener upgrades, unqualified firms are exploiting the gap. As our Net Zero guide shows, the shift away from fossil fuels is creating huge opportunities — but also more chances for rogue operators to slip through. 

Risks of falling victim 

• Financial loss – inflated bills, upfront deposits, or outright theft. 

• Identity theft – phishing emails and texts designed to steal personal data. 

• Unsafe work – poor electrical or gas installs can cause fire, injury or worse. 

Two sectors stand out for risk: gas and electricity. With more than 20,000 unregistered electrician firms in the UK, the danger is real. 

If you want to see how health and safety should be taught, Access Equipment Lesson 10 provides an example of structured training, very different from the shortcuts taken by r ogue traders. 

How to spot a scammer 

Ask yourself: 

• Did they contact you first? Be wary of cold calls, emails or uninvited doorstep sales. 

• Are they rushing you? Pressure to act quickly, especially with “grant deadlines”, is a red flag. 

• Are they accredited? Always check Gas Safe, NICEIC or other registrations on the official websites. 

• Too good to be true? Trust your instincts. 

For inspiration, it’s worth remembering that not every spark starts in the same place. Our feature on 10 Famous People Who Started on an Electrician Course shows how the trade attracts genuine, motivated learners — the exact opposite of rogue traders. 

What to do if you’ve been targeted 

If you think you’ve been scammed: 

• Contact the trader directly and try to resolve. 

• Speak to trade bodies they claim to belong to. 

• Ask your bank or card provider if you can claim funds back. 

• Use arbitration or an o mbudsman if available. 

• Report the trader to Trading Standards. 

• Seek guidance from Citizens Advice, which has a dedicated section on scams. 

Staying safe 

Green upgrades are a smart choice for the future, but only if they’re installed by qualified contractors. Working with properly trained sparks means safe installs, clear paperwork, and long-term efficiency. 

At Elec Training, we support learners in gaining the skills and knowledge to work safely in the growing net zero sector. Visit Elec Training to see how you can train to make homes greener without cutting corners. 

1 – What is a green home scam?

A green home scam involves fraudsters exploiting the UK’s push for energy efficiency by offering fake grants, discounts, or installations for eco-upgrades like solar panels, insulation, or heat pumps, often pressuring homeowners into paying upfront fees or sharing personal data. In 2025, these scams have surged with net-zero incentives, targeting vulnerable households via cold calls, emails, or doorstep visits promising “free” or government-funded retrofits that never materialize, leading to financial loss or shoddy work. According to Citizens Advice, over 19 million UK adults were targeted in recent years, with scams rising 42% for insulation frauds alone. Elec Training warns that these often mimic legitimate schemes like ECO4, emphasizing education on red flags like unsolicited offers to protect clients during consultations. 

2 – How do scammers target UK homeowners with fake eco deals?

Scammers target UK homeowners through unsolicited contacts like phone calls, texts, emails, or doorstep visits, posing as government reps or certified installers offering “exclusive” grants for green upgrades, often citing urgency tied to expiring schemes. In 2025, tactics include fake websites mimicking GOV.UK or energy firms, robo-calls claiming eligibility checks require bank details, or letters promising £4,000+ for insulation without assessments. The BBC reports a spike in Scotland, with fraudsters using AI voices for credibility. They exploit eco-anxiety amid rising bills, focusing on over-65s or low-income households via social media ads. Elec Training advises verifying via official channels before engaging, as these ploys lead to identity theft or advance-fee frauds costing victims thousands. 

3 – Which energy-saving products are most linked to scams?

Solar panels, spray foam insulation, and heat pumps are the energy-saving products most linked to scams in 2025, as fraudsters promise cheap or grant-funded installs that result in substandard goods or non-delivery. Citizens Advice highlights solar scams involving fake “free panel” deals requiring deposits, while illegal “energy-saving plugs” flood online marketplaces, posing fire risks without efficacy. Spray foam frauds have jumped 42%, with botched installs trapping moisture and causing structural damage. Heat pump scams mimic ECO4 offers but use unqualified workers. Elec Training notes these exploit the Great British Insulation Scheme’s popularity, urging clients to avoid unverified sellers and opt for MCS-certified products to ensure safety and performance. 

4 – Are government grants for solar panels and insulation genuine?

Yes, genuine UK government grants for solar panels and insulation exist in 2025, such as ECO4 (up to 100% funding for low-income households) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (£1bn for energy-efficient homes), but scammers impersonate them with fake offers demanding fees. Legitimate schemes like ECO4 cover solar via approved installers without upfront costs, while GBIS focuses on insulation for EPC-rated homes. The Eco Experts confirms no “free solar” without eligibility checks via energy suppliers. Elec Training verifies these through official GOV.UK portals, advising against third-party “brokers” and recommending direct applications to avoid the 5.2 million victims reported by Citizens Advice. 

5 – How can I check if a tradesperson is accredited or registered?

To check if a UK tradesperson is accredited, use government-endorsed registers like the Electrical Competent Person scheme, NICEIC’s Find a Contractor tool, or NAPIT’s member search by postcode for verified electricians. TrustMark and Electrical Safety First provide comprehensive databases ensuring compliance with BS 7671 and Part P. GOV.UK’s Competent Persons Register lists schemes for self-certifying work. Always request ID, quotes, and references, avoiding cash deals. Elec Training, as a registered provider, recommends cross-verifying on these sites during client advice, as unregistered workers often link to green scams, ensuring safe, insured installations. 

6 – What are the risks of using an unqualified installer?

Using an unqualified installer risks electrical fires, shocks, or carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty wiring/insulation, invalidates home insurance, and exposes you to fines under Building Regulations. In the UK, incompetent work causes thousands of incidents yearly, with SELECT warning of life-threatening hazards like overloaded circuits from botched solar setups. Legal implications include voided warranties and liability for accidents, while subpar insulation leads to damp/mould. Elec Training stresses that unqualified “DIY” or scam-linked trades lack EICRs, amplifying dangers—always hire NICEIC-registered pros for compliant, safe green upgrades. 

7 – How do I know if a grant offer is real or a scam?

A real grant offer comes directly from GOV.UK, energy suppliers, or accredited bodies like Ofgem, with no upfront fees, pressure, or unsolicited contact—verify via official sites like the ECO4 portal or GBIS hotline. Scams demand deposits, use generic emails, or promise “guaranteed” funding without assessments. Energy Saving Trust advises checking scheme legitimacy on gov.uk and ignoring “limited-time” claims. Elec Training helps clients spot fakes by reviewing offers, ensuring applications go through verified channels to access genuine 2025 funding without falling for the 31% targeting rate reported by consumer groups. 

8 – What should I do if a trader pressures me to sign quickly?

If a trader pressures you to sign quickly, walk away immediately—it’s a classic scam tactic to bypass checks, often tied to fake green grants. Take time to verify credentials via NICEIC or TrustMark, get multiple quotes, and consult Citizens Advice. Under the Consumer Rights Act, you have 14 days to cancel most contracts, but pressure voids this. Elec Training recommends documenting interactions and reporting to Trading Standards, as rushed deals lead to shoddy installs or hidden fees in 2025’s scam surge. 

9 – Who can I report a suspected green home scam to?

Report suspected green home scams to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk) for national coordination, Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133) for consumer support, or local Trading Standards via their hotline. For emails/texts, forward to [email protected] or 7726. The Energy Ombudsman handles supplier-linked frauds post-complaint. Elec Training encourages immediate reporting to prevent wider harm, noting BBC-highlighted increases in scam protections for 2025 schemes. 

10 – How can I make sure my green upgrade is safe and legitimate?

Ensure your green upgrade is safe and legitimate by using MCS/NICEIC-accredited installers from GOV.UK registers, verifying grants directly on official sites like ECO4, and getting written quotes with no upfront payments beyond deposits. Conduct EPC assessments pre-install and insist on EICRs post-work. Elec Training offers guidance on compliant solar/insulation setups, advising against unsolicited offers and using TrustMark for vetted pros to avoid risks in 2025’s fraud landscape.