Scam in Bracknell area re ‘Green Homes Scheme’.
Yesterday in Warfield Park a scammer leaflet dropped some residents with an offer regarding the ‘Green Homes Scheme’. The scheme, if you’re a homeowner or residential landlord, means you can apply for a Green Homes Grant voucher towards the cost of installing energy efficient improvements to your home.
A resident followed up the scam leaflet as they were interested in claiming the voucher and having the work done to their home. Upon enquiring they were told they needed to pay a large amount in cash to start the work. The resident did not have the money readily available so agreed to go to the bank to withdraw the funds. The bank cashier asked a number of questions and was suspicious of the request and called the police.
The Green Home Grant voucher does not require any funds to be paid up front. Be suspicious of any tradespeople / salespeople that ask for upfront payments such as this. Never give cash to businesses / tradespeople from unsolicited contact such as this. Do not let them into your home. If you are unsure then contact us here:
https://publicprotectionpartnership.org.uk/make-an-enquiry/
Or your local Citizens Advice Centre:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/
If you feel unsafe, or the tradesperson/salesperson will not leave then contact the police.
A note about the genuine Green Home Scheme via Bracknell Forest Council:
The Green Homes Scheme enables householders to improve the energy efficiency of their homes with a grant from the Government up to the value of £10,000.
Bracknell Forest Council are working with Instagroup and Homesun for our Green Homes Scheme and would never ask for money to be paid upfront. Some of the residents will qualify for the works to be done free subject to their personal financial circumstances.
More information can be found here:
https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/housing/energy-efficiency-home/grants-and-subsidies
