Be Scam Aware - potential solar panel installation scam.

Central

Bedfordshire

Scam Aware

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Trading Standards team is warning consumers to be aware of a potential solar panel installation scam.

We have received a report from a concerned resident in the Ampthill area, who has received a number of unsolicited telephone calls from two businesses attempting to sell and install solar PV (photo-voltaic) panels. The callers have claimed to be representing "My Blue Skies" and "Sunlight Solar Solutions" and that their businesses are working "in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council". The callers are said to be quite persistant in attempting to get a contract agreed.

We can confirm that Central Bedfordshire Council does not currently have a relationship or agreement with any business for the domestic installation of solar panels. Also, these two businesses do not appear to be registered installers of microgeneration technologies (used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources). Therefore, based on the information received we believe these calls bear the hallmarks of a scam and we would urge consumers who receive such calls from these businesses to proceed with caution.

Our advice would be, if you are interested in the installation of solar panels on your property, to shop around for a reputable business, never just accept what you are told by a cold-caller and always take time to check out any claims they make. Check to see if the business is a registered installer on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme's website (www.microgenerationcertification.org). Always think twice before making a decision to proceed with the offer being made and never feel pressured or intimidated into making a quick decision just because the offer is, apparently, only available for a limited period or the business is only in the area for a short while. Finally, never pay money or provide your bank account or personal details to any cold-caller unless you are sure of their intentions or have had an opportunity to check whether the call is genuine.

If you have information about suspect rogue traders or would like to report a possible scam please initially contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, in order so that all relevant regulatory authorities are notified.

In the meantime, please visit our website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/bescamaware for advice and guidance on how to spot a scam and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Kind regards

Trading Standards

(Community Safety and Public Protection)