An Insight Investigating Loft Insulation Scam Calls in the UK

tellows Insights Report

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In 2024, tellows users have reported a surge in unsolicited calls related to loft insulation. These scam calls have become a significant concern, exploiting unsuspecting homeowners under the pretence of legitimate services. Our tellows research experts delve into the nature of, and data behind, these scams, their operation, and the steps that can be taken to combat them. Loft Insulation calls can be divided into 3 categories:

• Official Loft Insulation or 'Energy Hub' Phone Numbers (Energy Hub customer service, loft insulation maintenance services)
• Scam or Fraud Calls (Fake Loft Insulation assessors)
• Solutions to Loft Insulation scams

 

Official Loft Insulation Numbers with Positive Rating

Understanding the Scam

The loft insulation scam typically operates through targeted cold calls. Scammers, posing as representatives from legitimate insulation companies or so-called "energy hubs," contact homeowners to discuss recent loft insulation work. This approach is designed to create a semblance of credibility, making it easier to deceive the victim.
Once the initial connection is established, scammers falsely claim that a moisture test in the loft is necessary. They cite concerns about insulation quality and safety, suggesting that existing insulation might cause damage or is non-compliant with regulations. The final ploy involves offering alternative insulation or ventilation systems at a much more inflated price, preying on the homeowner's fear and urgency.
A particularly disturbing aspect of this scam is its focus on the elderly. Scammers use public databases to target older individuals, exploiting their trust and limited knowledge about loft insulation matters.

Spoofing Organizations

Scammers have gone to great lengths to appear legitimate, often spoofing reputable organizations. There have been reports of unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to work for a loft insulation company or local utility company. Some of these scammers falsely represent well-known entities such as ‘Asthma and Lung UK’ or its legacy charity, the British Lung Foundation. It's important to note that these legitimate organizations do not make cold calls and are aware of the scam.

Scam or Fraud Calls Claiming to be from Loft Insulation Services

Case Studies

Loft Insulation or Energy Hub Scam Numbers

Reporting These Scams

To combat these fraudulent activities, it is crucial for individuals to report any suspicious calls. If you are contacted by one of these scam companies, please report the incident to Action Fraud, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), and your local Trading Standards Officer. By doing so, you can help prevent others from falling victim to these scams.

Protective Measures

In addition to reporting, there are several steps homeowners can take to protect themselves from loft insulation scams:

1. Verify the Caller using tellows App: Always ask for the caller's full name, the company they represent, and a contact number. Legitimate companies should have no problem providing this information. tellows.co.uk to evaluate the caller and the reason for the call.
2. Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid disclosing personal or financial information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller's legitimacy.
3. Be Skeptical of Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into making quick decisions. Take your time to verify the information before proceeding.
4. Consult with Trusted Sources: If you receive a suspicious call, consult with friends, family, or professionals before taking any action.
5. Register with TPS: Consider registering your phone number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce the number of unsolicited calls.

In conclusion, while loft insulation scam calls are becoming increasingly sophisticated, staying informed and vigilant can help protect you and your loved ones from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. By reporting suspicious activities and following protective measures, we can collectively work towards curbing this growing threat.

tellows Insights for Journalists

This detailed research was created by tellows Insights. In doing so, the experts combine unique tellows data with expert knowledge and extensive research. tellows evaluates thousands of ratings every day and creates statistics and data clusters on relevant numbers and new scam schemes. This allows the focus to be placed on actually active callers and new dubious phone numbers to be quickly identified.
The tellows Insights team uses the unique tellows database. This allows detailed studies to be created. The team is happy to answer your inquiries. All graphics and data can be used for editorial purposes when credited with the source.
All data was last updated on Jul 9, 2024. The investigated phone numbers were categorized with the tellows score (1 - trustworthy to 9 - dubious). This indicates the risk assessment of a phone number. The higher the score, the more dubious the caller. Calls with the categorization Loft Insulation as well as the number of reported phone numbers were examined. The report only takes into account numbers where tellows users have assigned the category 'Loft Insulation'.
 

*User interest for numbers assigned to Loft Insulation related calls.

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