Warning over 'Green Deal grants' doorstep callers after incidents in Beccles

Suffolk residents are being urged to report doorstep callers who claim to be part of a Government energy scheme to the police following reports from the Beccles area.

Suffolk Trading Standards has said that doorstep callers have knocked on doors in Beccles purporting to be part of the Government's Green Deal – an initiative to help people make energy-saving improvements to their homes – and claiming that the residents might be entitled to a grant.

In a post on social media today, officials also advised residents to do their research before agreeing to a product or a service.

They said: "Our normal advice is to never agree to anything, including a home visit, when approached by a cold caller on the phone, at your door or via email.

"Do your research first, and find out if it is a product or service that you want or require.

"You may be entitled to a grant to help you with the cost of energy improvements on your home, but don’t trust a cold caller who advises you that you are."

To find out more about energy-saving initiatives in Suffolk, you can contact Suffolk Energy Action on 0345 0371234, or call Simple Action Energy on 0800 444202 or visit https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk.

These organisations 'will be able to clarify the current grants available and what you may be eligible for', Suffolk Trading Standards said.

If you are approached by one of these doorstep callers, the advice is to report them to the police immediately on 101, or to Suffolk Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133.

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