Incidents of fraudsters attempting to sell unsuitable insulation in Cornwall has sparked a warning from Trading Standards.

Scammers, some claiming to be from Cornwall Council, are cold calling residents with misleading claims about spray foam insulation.

Other cold callers are trying to sell residents unsuitable foam insulation products that could potentially do more harm than good.

Gary Webster, Fair Trading Team Manager at Cornwall Council said:

"As energy prices are set to rise even further, many households are looking at ways to improve the energy efficiency of their home to cut bills.

"However, there have been recent examples of residents being cold-called and offered spray foam insulation. Whilst the product itself can be a legitimate method of insulation, it is not suitable for every property, and can cause more harm than good if applied in the wrong circumstances."

In one case, a consumer had received numerous calls from a firm trying to sell spray foam insulation. In an attempt to worry the householder, the salesperson claimed that the property didn't meet 'Government Standards' for insulation. After stating that the work would cost around £8,000 – the caller claimed that they could offer a 'special discount' and reduced the cost to £5,000. The work was agreed upon and carried out the very next day. The property was a Victorian house, and the treatment was not in any way suitable.

In another case, the salesperson claimed to be calling from Cornwall Council and again tried to persuade the resident to agree to have spray foam insulation, despite it being completely unsuitable for the property. Luckily in this case the person sought advice and did not agree to the work.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder for environment and climate change at Cornwall Council, added:

"We all look for ways to improve the energy efficiency of our home to cut bills, but we need to be wary of those trying to exploit for profit those of us trying to do the right thing. It's important to seek out and follow the right advice."

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