Beware of Green Homes Grant scams

We're warning people to be wary of fraudsters attempting to exploit the new Government Green Homes Grant.

The Green Homes Grant is a funding initiative set up to encourage homeowners to invest money in improving the energy efficiency of their property, while also giving the economy a crucial boost.

Only approved traders can carry out the work and must meet certain criteria before trading. We are concerned that the introduction of the Green Homes Grant may lead to an increase in fraudsters and cold callers attempting to scam members of the public.

Read our warning in full here Consumers warned to be aware of Green Homes Grant scams.

Covid-19 consumer guides

Got a coronavirus-related consumer question? Read our online Covid-19 consumer guides, which cover these topics:

• Covid-19 related scams.
• Face masks and hand sanitisers.
• Contracts cancelled due to coronavirus.
• Accommodation holidays cancelled due to coronavirus.
• Weddings cancelled due to coronavirus.

Covid cold caller warning

Beware of cold callers using the cover of Covid-19 to go door-to-door selling hygiene products or offering home sanitising services. If you want to buy these products or use cleaning services, here's some tips to follow:

• Do not agree to buy unsolicited goods sold door to door.
• Take time to make a decision and buy goods through a reputable business.
• Do not agree to work offered by unsolicited doorstep callers.
• If you want work doing in your home or garden, take time to get three quotes from reputable businesses you trust and make your decision on who to use in your own time.
• Get recommendations from family and friends or via Buy With Confidence.
• If you are concerned someone is at risk, always call the police.
• If you are concerned rogue traders are operating in your area always report it.
• If someone knocks on your door and you are not sure, don’t open the door.

For more information see Scams, rogue traders and doorstep crime. 

Made in Devon

Customers wanting to buy genuine, high-quality, Devon-made goods sold by a trustworthy source will be able to look out for the soon-to-be-seen 'Made in Devon' logo to be sure of the quality and origin of the products.

Made in Devon is part of Trading Standards’ Buy With Confidence scheme, which guarantees that members trade in an honest and fair way. 

Know a business you feel should be part of this scheme? Recommend them to us.

TV Licence changes

TV Licences for over-75s have changed, and TV Licensing is writing directly to anyone affected by the changes. When you receive any communication from TV Licensing, it's important to make sure it's genuine and not a scam - read their guide on how to spot TV Licensing scams. 

Mental health in farming

Agricultural workers in Somerset can train as Mental Health First Aiders on the free Mental Health First Aid Training Two-Day Accredited Course for Agriculture run by Becky Wright of New Leaf Life Design.

If you’re in the farming community and you or your family ever feel like you could do with some support, from a listening ear, to getting help with your business, there are several organisations that offer support for farmers.

Friends Against Scams

This week, Friends Against Scams celebrates four years since launching. Since then, over half a million people have become scam aware by completing the online awareness session. Join them - visit the Friends Against Scams website. 

Cyber Security Month

October is European Cyber Security Month - a month of activities to help people stay safe online and remember to 'think before you click'. The national campaign co-ordinator in the UK, the National Cyber Security Centre, has lots of information and resources to help us all stay Cyber Aware. 

For more tips, follow Cyber Security Month on Facebook and Twitter.