Boiler bullies target older people
The Age Scotland Helpline has had a spike in calls this week about cold callers offering boilers and prying into older people's finances in the process.
There have also been reports of companies surveying for a ‘free' boiler, then telling householders that they are not eligible for a full grant and will have to pay several thousand pounds for the rest of the work.
One woman called the Helpline to raise concerns after her parents, who are in their 80s, were repeatedly targeted, receiving 15 calls in the space of despite having registered with the telephone preference service.
She said: "On one day they had four or five calls from different companies selling boilers, some of whom made out that upgrading was a legal requirement. They were also asked for personal details about their finances, including whether they were receiving pension credit or other income support, which suggests that these companies are targeting people on lower incomes on the assumption they'll be a soft touch.
"Some of the calls have been quite aggressive, insisting that they book a site survey, and while my mother is quite assertive my dad's hearing impairment could have put him at a disadvantage and made him very vulnerable. If they had talked their way into the house my fear is that they might have pressurised them into signing or doing something they didn't want to."
Age Scotland Helpline Manager Heather Smith said: "There's clearly a growing number of unscrupulous traders prepared to exploit older householders legitimate concerns about rising fuel costs, and to ride on the coattails of genuine efforts to make homes energy efficient.
"If you, or someone you know, has been put under pressure to pay for boiler improvements, you can report your suspicions to the Consumer Advice Helpline on 08454 040506 so that the trader's practice can be investigated. And if you are thinking about improving your home's energy efficiency, it's best to call Home Energy Scotland now on 0808 808 2282 now rather than wait for a cold caller to talk you into a deal that might not be best for you."
