Latest news with #TradingStandardsScotland
STV News
2 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Call for national action to protect Scots in green heating rollout
Urgent and co-ordinated national action is needed to protect consumers in Scotland as the country moves towards greener home heating, according to a new report. Consumer Scotland said on Tuesday that more needs to be done by governments, regulators, and industry to safeguard people from scams and unfair practices as millions of homes face major changes in how they are heated. The watchdog's latest investigation highlights a range of concerns in the low-carbon heating and insulation sector – including misleading marketing, rogue traders and high upfront costs. To meet legally binding climate targets, more than two million homes across Scotland will need to switch to low or zero-emissions heating by 2045. That includes technology such as heat pumps, electric heating systems, heat networks and upgraded insulation. But the report found current levels of consumer awareness and uptake are lagging behind. Key recommendations include: Stronger regulation and better-resourced enforcement to clamp down on rogue traders. Mandatory accreditation for all installers and traders in the sector. A simplified complaints and redress system for consumers. A review of financial support to help with upfront installation costs. Public awareness campaigns to improve understanding of green home heating. Improved information-sharing between industry bodies and regulators. Consumer Scotland chief executive Sam Ghibaldan said: 'The transition to net zero is one of the defining challenges of our time – and heating our homes differently is at the heart of it. 'We've seen some households have positive experiences, but too many are put off by confusing systems, high costs and concerns about scams or poor service. 'Our recommendations aim to make the journey simpler, safer and fairer for everyone.' Trading Standards Scotland welcomed the report, saying it highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards. Chief officer Fiona Richardson said: 'Scams and rogue traders are undermining trust in the sector. If people are to engage fully with this transition, they need confidence and protection. 'We're committed to working with our partners to make that happen.' Consumer Scotland is urging both the Scottish and UK governments to act swiftly to improve regulation, simplify the consumer journey, and ensure enforcement bodies are equipped to respond. The watchdog says success will depend on joint efforts, adding that the rewards include lower emissions, warmer homes, and reduced fuel poverty across Scotland. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Homeowners warned over green energy scammers
Homeowners need stronger protections against rogue traders and scammers capitalising on green energy schemes, according to Scotland's consumer body. Consumer Scotland warned that more people were likely to be targeted as the country transitions to low or zero-emissions heating over the next two decades. It has called on both Scottish and UK governments to ensure stronger regulation of the industry including accreditation for traders and a streamlined complaints process. In a new report the consumer body highlighted scams involving spray foam insulation have already increased by 42% in 2023. Craig McClue, head of investigations for Consumer Scotland, said: "When we looked at this sector, in particular, we realised that Scotland has climate change targets to be net zero by 2045 and that is going to drive demand for low carbon heating technologies and insulation products. "We found that, historically, there have been a lot of scams and unfair trading, and we heard evidence from our enforcement partners about just how prevalent these problems are. "When you realise more than two million households are soon going to enter this sector, the risk is very real that consumers can face scams and unfair trading." He added: "We've heard strong evidence about particular egregious traders who have been targeting vulnerable consumers in Scotland. "They suggest a loft surveys and suggest they make immediate decisions to get insulation, which proves unsuitable for the home, creates damp, and leads to mould. "We then hear these same traders return under a new guise to take the spray foam insulation out. It is almost like a life-cycle scam." The Consumer Scotland report recommendations include better resources for enforcement bodies to tackle rogue trading and mandatory accreditation for all traders in the sector to increase consumer confidence. Sam Ghibaldan, chief executive of Consumer Scotland, added: "The transition to net zero is one of the defining challenges of modern times. "For many households, this currently means navigating a complex and unfamiliar sector often at significant cost. This journey must be made simpler, safer, and fairer. "Our recommendations will help ensure consumers are empowered, protected, and supported through every stage of the transition, from initial decisions to installation protections and action to resolve complaints." Fiona Richardson of Trading Standards Scotland added: "Scams, mis-selling and rogue trading continues to damage trust in the green home heating market. "If consumers are to play their part in the transition to net zero, they must be protected from unfair trading practices and given the necessary confidence to engage in the sector." A UK government spokesperson said: "Allegations of fraud are taken very seriously and for UK wide schemes there is a dedicated Ofgem team working on counter fraud and whistleblowing." A Scottish government spokesperson said it welcomed the report "which highlights the need for a change to clean heating as part of Scotland's commitment to achieving net zero". They added: "It is vital people feel assured that any work carried out to decarbonise their heating is done to a high standard and represents good value for money. "That's why we have been working with the UK government and Ofgem on the introduction of new consumer standards for heat network consumers – such as fair pricing and reliable supply – which will be introduced in January 2026." "I committed the cardinal sin," said David Adams, 87, a widower who lives alone in Glasgow. "Someone chapped my door and I let them in." In late 2023, a representative of a company called Smarter Insulation Ltd appeared at his front door asking to talk to him about spray foam insulation. He explained: "There was quite a lot going on about government grants for people. It seemed to be the thing to do, we were all getting very conscious of emissions, insulation and all the rest of it. "The chap went up into the loft and took a test. He said there was damp in the air and this spray foam insulation would help. "They had a good looking brochure and it all looked legit." He paid around £5,300 for the work, but a fortnight later he received a phone call from a company called the Roofing Advisory Service (RAS). In documents seen by BBC Scotland News, it warned him of "mis-selling of spray foam insulation by certain companies" and that his home was at risk from damp in the roof space and "potential issues with mortgageability and insurability in the future". In the end, he paid a further £2,750 to have insulation removed by a third company just a month later. It was only after he paid that Mr Adams contacted Trading Standards and Advice Direct Scotland, but he remains £8,000 out of pocket. He added: "You just think, 'I've been a sucker'… That's why I haven't taken any steps to get my money back. "I should've known better." BBC Scotland News spoke with another spray foam customer who paid more than £5,000 to FastFoam Limited, which has the same director as Smarter Insulation. He later paid another firm to remove the spray foam product several weeks later at a total cost of more than £8,000. There is an active proposal to strike off both FastFoam Limited and Smarter Insulation from the companies register. When contacted by BBC Scotland News, a spokesman for Smarter Insulation and Fastfoam blamed RAS as being rogue sellers. He said: "Both customers mentioned have been contacted by a fraudulent company that emerged after members of our sales team departed to work with RAS. "We have provided the details of numerous individuals and customers who have been contacted by RAS to Trading Standards' investigative team. "Smarter and FastFoam have now ceased trading. "I deeply regret that customers have had to endure such a poor experience while purchasing insulation." The BBC has been unable to reach RAS for comment. Trading Standards Scotland confirmed that RAS, both Smarter Insulation and FastFoam, and the company that removed Mr Adams' insulation are all currently being investigated.
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Six biggest doorstep scams in Scotland confirmed as experts issue warning
Trading Standards Scotland outlined the main cons scammers use to target victims in their own homes, saying many are linked to serious organised crime gangs. The biggest doorstep scams in Scotland have been confirmed as experts warn of the common tricks used by criminals to target victims in their own homes. Trading standards chiefs have compiled a list of the six biggest cons being adopted by crooks often "affiliated to serious organised crime groups" who prey on vulnerable and elderly consumers. It said it receives the most reports of scammers offering electrical safety checks, roof repairs and roof coatings. Crooks also target properties offering to carry out gardening and landscaping work, 'free' roof and insulation surveys and driveway repairs. Trading Standards Scotland issued the warning in partnership with Police Scotland as part of its #ShutOutScammers campaign. It said: "Doorstep scammers remain a serious problem across the whole of Scotland. "Many are affiliated to serious organised crime groups and usually overcharge for work that is either unnecessary and/or substandard. "They tend to target vulnerable and elderly consumers." Some scammers offering electrical safety checks may claim to be working for the council and checking voltage levels in the area. Crooks offering 'free' loft inspections may claim the homeowner is eligible for funding to carry out work. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Some of the more common techniques used by scammers to gain trust is to create a website and glossy leaflets using a temporary address in the local area to make their business seem credible and legitimate to unsuspecting consumers. They may adopt a business name similar to a legitimate company which trades in the same area. Trading Standards Scotland has shared five 'signposts' to avoid scams. Close the door on uninvited callers. Take time to think before making a decision. Research and obtain at least three quotes from trusted companies before having any work done. Verify that the person is genuine and take a note of the company's details. Report any suspicious behaviour to Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Signing up to the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alert system sends out local crime prevention and safety issues. If you have concerns about a purchase that you have made you can also contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Daily Record
Couple from Motherwell scammed out of £4,000 by rogue traders
A couple from Motherwell were scammed out of £4,000 by rogue traders who falsely claimed their roof had extensive damage, Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) has revealed. The pair, who wish to remain anonymous, were visited by roofers offering a free inspection. Initially, they were told only minor repairs were needed, costing £200. However, the workers later claimed the roof required £8,000 worth of work due to major damage Feeling pressured, the couple paid a £4,000 deposit. After the work was completed, they sought a second opinion. A council-approved roofer assessed the job and concluded the repairs had been poorly done and should have cost no more than £1,000. The incident was highlighted by TSS as it published the findings of a poll showing that almost half of Scots have been targeted by aggressive or misleading sales tactics. The ScotPulse survey of 1,063 people revealed that 46 per cent of people had encountered banned practices used by rogue traders. A third (33 per cent) said they were misled into completing a sale, but only one in five of those reported the incident to the authorities. It comes as TSS launches a nationwide 'Know Your Rights' campaign to help Scots understand their protections and report scams and dishonest sellers. Other shocking examples include an elderly woman from Fife who lost £3,000 after a sales team posing as NHS workers spent more than two hours in her home, pressuring into buying a new mattress. Experts have also uncovered cases where traders stayed in homes until midnight, while one locksmith even locked a customer out of their own property. The examples highlight the importance of refusing to give in to pressure tactics and bogus claims. Fiona Richardson, chief officer of Trading Standards Scotland, said: 'It is shocking that so many people in Scotland are falling victim to misleading and aggressive sales tactics. 'This poll shows the scale of the problem, with almost half of people experiencing this kind of appalling behaviour. 'Traders who offer fake discounts or falsely claim extra work is needed are not just being dishonest – they are breaking the law. 'The impact goes beyond financial loss. It causes stress and anxiety, particularly for older or more vulnerable people. 'We urge consumers not to deal with cold callers. Instead, look for trusted local businesses through approved trader schemes backed by Trading Standards. 'Always research a company before agreeing to any work. Online adverts can be misleading and reviews can be faked. Take your time. A pushy pitch is often a red flag. 'It is vital that consumers feel confident standing up to these tactics and know there is help available.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .
STV News
28-04-2025
- Business
- STV News
Almost half of Scots fall victim to banned sales tactics, poll suggests
Almost half of Scots have been targeted by aggressive or misleading sales tactics, a new poll suggests. The survey, conducted for Trading Standards Scotland (TSS), revealed 46% of participants had encountered banned practices used by rogue traders. Around a third (33%) said they were misled into completing a sale but only one in five of those reported the incident to the authorities. The ScotPulse survey of 1,063 people comes as TSS launches a nationwide Know Your Rights campaign to help Scots understand their protections and report scams and dishonest sellers. Examples include an elderly woman from Fife who lost £3,000 after a sales team posing as NHS workers spent more than two hours in her home, pressuring her into buying a new mattress. Experts also uncovered cases where traders stayed in homes until midnight, with one locksmith even locking a customer out of their own property. The survey also found that just under a third (31%) of Scots said their physical health, mental wellbeing, or both had been affected by misleading or aggressive sales tactics. Only 28% were aware that money could potentially be reclaimed from financial institutions after being misled. TSS is urging people not to engage with cold callers and instead to seek reputable local traders. Chief officer Fiona Richardson said: 'It is shocking that so many people in Scotland are falling victim to misleading and aggressive sales tactics. 'This poll shows the scale of the problem, with almost half of people experiencing this kind of appalling behaviour. 'Traders who offer fake discounts or falsely claim extra work is needed are not just being dishonest – they are breaking the law. 'The impact goes beyond financial loss. It causes stress and anxiety, particularly for older or more vulnerable people. 'We urge consumers not to deal with cold callers. Instead, look for trusted local businesses through approved trader schemes backed by Trading Standards. 'Always research a company before agreeing to any work. Online adverts can be misleading and reviews can be faked. Take your time. A pushy pitch is often a red flag. 'It is vital that consumers feel confident standing up to these tactics and know there is help available.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
