A Lothian MSP has asked for constituents to be ‘vigilant’ as reports of insulation scams increase over the winter period.
The calls from Miles Briggs MSP come as reports of home insulation scams are on the rise in Scotland as people try to cut their energy costs, with criminals attempting to exploit this.
The scams are leaving victims out of pocket to the tune of thousands of pounds, with many having to fork out additional money to remove fake insulation such as ‘spray foam insulation’ from lofts and other areas of their properties.
Many victims are lured in by dishonest ‘workers’ who inform them that they are liable to receive benefits and funding from the government while demanding that they pay upfront for the insulation.
As of mid-December 2023, 158 complaints had been received from Scottish consumers regarding insulation scams, a rise of 42 per cent on 2022’s total of 111.
Figures from Trading Standards Scotland suggest that a total of £500,000 has been lost to insulation scams in 2023 from Scottish homeowners, with an average cost of between £4,000 and £8,000 per consumer.
Older people are often the most vulnerable to these scams, particularly when contacted by cold-callers.
Scottish Conservative & Unionist MSP Miles Briggs said: “It is really important that people remain vigilant at this time and look for signs of scammers.
“Unfortunately, many of those involved are highly skilled at deception and can appear incredibly convincing in what they are saying.
“These scams are happening not just in my region of Lothian, but all across Scotland, and are far more present in the cold winter months as consumers seek to limit their energy usage.
“It is important consumers undertake independent research and refrain from engaging with cold callers who offer ‘free’ services.
“It is despicable that bad faith actors are exploiting the concerns of people during a cost-of-living crisis, and absolutely essential that consumers do whatever they can to protect themselves from these criminals.”
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