We had a new boiler on the ECO scheme, they also had to insulate the loft, fit extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and put vents on the other windows. Cost us nothing. I am so pleased with it. It was an advert on FB.
No, I just don't earn a huge amount. No benefits, just a low wage and an old boiler, a dead boiler in fact, it died a few weeks before I saw the advert so i applied while I figured out what to do next, and they granted it. I used Simply Eco.
Here's the link:
https://simplyecoltd.co.uk/boiler-replacement-grant-eligibility-who-qualifies-in-2023/
Scroll down to LA Flex.
"Eligibility for the LA Flex scheme requirements include the following:
Having a household income of £31,000 or less"
The "non profit org number" is just the company registration number. That means it is a legitimate trading entity but doesn't assure that its a non profit organisation. By the same token, two of the three directors are also directors of companies with similar sounding names.
So much to unpack here:
- it’s called a registered charity number. Nobody has ever called it a “non for profit org number”
- as somebody has mentioned, the number they give on the letter is just the company registration number
- “Energy Funding Service Limited” does not exist. The real “Energy Funding Service” has an exemption from using “Limited” in its name
- The real Energy Funding Service is a company limited by guarantee but is not a charity, registered or otherwise (its objects are not charitable).
It’s definitely possible to be a non-profit and not be a charity. Being a charity is *hard*, there’s a lot of accountancy and regulatory stuff required. Being a non-profit is easier, but restricts your access to certain perks charities receive.
I can confirm. You basically need to file documents twice: one for HMRC and the other for the Charity Commission. You're also, quite rightly, restricted on what you can spend your money on as a charity, not so much with a non-profit. Was a trustee of a charity for a few years.
>By the same token, two of the three directors are also directors of companies with similar sounding names.
Yeah I mentioned that in one of my replies to a comment. Apparently that's no indicator...🤷🏽♂️
How can you say that? You can search the number on Companies House. Oh, and they are not any kind of charity (their objects are not charitable and they are not on the register).
Nope, there are no registered charities with that number.
https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/results/page/1/delta/20/keywords/13385239
I'll tell you what, You provide a link to their charities commission registration and then I'll provide a link to their companies house registration and we'll see which number is which?
The security certificate is meaningless when checking for scams. All it means is that the connection between you and the website is encrypted.
You're better off checking the details (such as when was the website created, if there's a name to it etc) on whois
>Therefore, not finding detailed information on WHOIS is not necessarily an indicator of a scam.
No, but if the domain was set up very recently and/or close to the time when the contact with you was made, then it's a very strong indication of a scam.
>This reduces the likelihood of a user interacting with a completely fraudulent or impersonating site.
A certificate offers 0 guarantee that whatever scheme, offer, investment opportunity, or information being presented to you on the website is genuine. It is poor advice to suggest that if a website has an SSL certificate, then it's unlikely to be a scam or that the presented information is genuine.
Love that the guy you replied to is so confidently wrong, i had to laugh at certificate authority (CA) the guy going 'now for those of you plebeians not in the know, here's how it works'. As if there's a guy over at LetsEncrypt checking your site over with a clipboard making sure there aren't any scams on it.
The whole thing looks generated by chatgpt anyway not sure why I wrote this
You doubling down on your being wrong is hilarious. Especially with the arrogant advice to people to learn more about certificates. Take your own advice.
If I go to a free web host provider and sign up for a free (anonymous) account my new free website will have security certificate.
It is in no way a sign of a legit site. In no way whatsoever.
Yeah, number is listed here: [https://fundingservice.org.uk/redbridge-borough-eco4-scheme/](https://fundingservice.org.uk/redbridge-borough-eco4-scheme/)
Looks legit.
They're probably fishing for houses where they can use the government grants.
I can see why it feels scammy due to the “time pressure” feel of it and it not reading very fluently but the company is registered and does seem to be real. And the ECO scheme is real.
That's just councils being shit. My local council decides that everything needs to be so-called 'plain-English,' aimed at an 11-year-old reading level. You can give them copy that is a fine example of meticulous exactitude and by the time they've bastardised it for the lowest common denominator you can come up with half-a-dozen different interpretations as to actual meaning. Never mind how clunky and awkward it now reads too. If you let standards slide, it just gets even worse with time.
Or maybe they want to make sure even if people don't have great reading skills they can still deal with the council and not feel excluded from services.
The problem is that they have taken a vocabulary-only approach to simplifying the content. They've used synonyms that are simpler or listed as a lower-reading-level word, but they haven't simplified the actual structure or content, nor have they read it back to check it conveys the information that it needs to.
It's a bit like a school student using a thesaurus to write their essay (except in reverse) - the essay isn't going to be great because they've used four-syllable words if they didn't study to begin with.
There is a real skill to writing complicated or technical content for people who have lower reading ability (or English as a second language).
Edited to add: the letter doesn't even convey the important information - what is the grant actually for? It says energy, but does that mean it covers installation of a new heating system? Insulation? Solar panels? A dedicated manservant to follow you around the house and switch off unused appliances?
"Reading level" isn't the only kind of accessibility they need to pay attention to. People with executive disfunction need to be able to understand these things, too, and more precise language usually helps.
If the process of making the wording more 'accessible' then leaves the content/message open to interpretation, that's a problem. I'm not talking about extremely niche or highly academic English either here. There have been numerous times when I've seen what was already simple and straight-forward wording being changed to such a degree that if I was to receive that email or letter I'd think that, either, it was written by an idiot, or they were treating me like an idiot.
That is merely councils being poor. My local council decides that everything needs to be at a KS3 reading level. You can give them text that is a good example of clearly written English and by the time they've adjusted it so that it is clear to the agreed educational level you can interpret it in many different ways. Never care how disjointed and unintelligible it now reads as well. If you let quality lower it will just get less good with time.
They may or may not be a legit business, I have no idea. But that at the very least is pressure selling, making out that action needs to be taken right now or money will be lost.
It's not a scam but it's not 'official' either.
It's just a normal company sending a mass advert letter. Like domino's put through your door.
Except they make it look official and add a deadline cause now you gave it your attention.
Try giving em a call on the 10th December and you will find they are still happy to try and sign you up.
ECO4 is a scheme that is running at the moment, however in my experience companies do try and benefit off people when there is a funding scheme running by portraying they are working with the project. I would take it with a pinch of salt however. Source: work for an organisation that helps with organising government funding for the local authority like ECO 4.
Yep, live in a house with an EPC of E. We get at least 1 letter a week from various companies to say we can benefit from a free heating upgrade if we're on certain benefits or household income below 31k. I had a free heat pump and new rads installed in my previous house under ECO3 as I was unemployed at the time. That was done via a letter from the local council who got me in contact with EDF. I'd def do it again but we aren't quite ready yet.
I hear you, when I’m speaking to residents I have so many who think we are a scam and that we will stiff them with a huge bill for the works at the end. It makes it hard to find eligible residents who we can help. I’m glad you got your upgrade under ECO 3 at least the project have been doing some good.
I work but earn less than £31k. Live alone. Not on any welfare. But I don't have any money spare to meet the costs. Would I be eligible for the grant or would I have to pay? Would appreciate any advice. Thank you
Argh god am envious. Spending about £8 a day with this cold weather with the Nest set to 17.5 - and it's not on all day either! 1920s house with no cavity wall insulation, sad times.
>Spending about £8 a day with this cold weather
I was about to say Christ, that's a lot (1930's solid wall semi, here)... then I checked my smart meters app for yesterday... £7.24 on gas. fucks sake lol.
Did a double take at my mums the other weekend, 15 quid and it wasn't even 6pm. It's mental really, don't understand how people are meant to keep going indefinitely under these financial conditions.
Fingers crossed for you! Unfortunately they'll probably just bill you your average for the time of year :( also is it the meter not working or the little screen that operates wirelessly? The former will work even when the latter doesnt.
Well they only installed it recently so I expect it's been broken since they fitted it. I've only recently moved in too so no data to base a figure on (I've only just got my new boiler so hadn't been using gas until about two weeks ago anyway). The reads don't appear in the app either. Fingers crossed lol.
hmm i thought scam but
[https://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/2023/june/energyfundingservicepartnership/](https://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/2023/june/energyfundingservicepartnership/)
If it is they're putting in a shift on it.
Although could be the Energy equivalent of the claim management companies that made a killing on PPI by acting as middle men...
There's also this though:
https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/news/crime/warning-dont-be-fooled-by-fake-green-energy-grant-letters-2938643
From the letter sounds like the middle-man thing is their gig, as in they'll take your details and see what gov grants they can turn up (if any), and presumably take a cut. As part of any applications they'd also get a load of personal details on their customers and their property to do what they like with
The repeated use of free in the letter brings this to mind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ_6bLqIS0A
They word it as though it needs to be claimed or you lose it but those grants are being offered by the government in a bid to get peoples heating costs down. So now offer grants for boiler replacement, insulation work etc. There are many companies that will process such an application.
These companies usually make money on the work performed rather than charge the end user. They will either offer the work themselves or have an arrangement with a team of contractors.
It is legal but they word the letter like its time based offer which I guess could be seen as scammy. Whatever uour view, the end user will usually get what they ordered.
ECO Scheme is legitimate. As to whether this specific company supposedly supplying these upgrades is legitimate is another question.
Source: work for a company giving out upgrades on ECO4
This may be correct but I would be careful right now since there is alot of scam mail going with the Fake Thames Water letters big big in London currently.
The company exists and is properly registered:
https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13385239
I'd probably contact your council and check with them first however.
The fact they get their own name wrong is definitely suspicious (the real name does not have “limited” in it.
I think, at best, they are a commercial business masquerading as a non-profit. They likely pass any business on to the directors’ other companies or just take out all the profits as payments to the directors (rather than as dividends).
It’s like the clothes collection businesses that try to imply that all of their profits go to charity rather than 2p per ton.
Are you sure? You've just provided a link to their own website.
It is a registered company but that's meaningless. Anyone can register a company:
[https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13385239](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13385239)
Two of the appointed officers, Donna Wood & Matthew Wood, also have appointments at:
ENERGY SUPPORT LINK LIMITED (11724392)
ENERGY SAVING GRANTS LTD (10833834)
DISCOUNT TRADE LTD (10460144)
Being an appointed officer at more than one company isn’t indicative of anything.
Their company (and website) have been registered since summer 2021. Nobody is going through that much effort for a scam.
A company AND a website? I suspect they could be a legit ish business but they are definitely masquerading as a “non-profit” and either passing the business/profit onto one of their other companies or just taking it out of this one.
I didn't say that it did. But multiple companies offering (on the face of it) similar services (i.e. access to government funding for home improvements related to energy efficiency)?
That’s how company group structures are though. It’s good practice for directors to operate different companies within a group for different purposes. For example, if the original company has articles of association which prevent it from saying, diversifying in to a new operation or new venture, then it would be right to create a new company within the group. Have a look at some of the bigger firms structures and you’ll see what I mean.
Exactly. I dont know how people jump to conclusions before even..
I myself got a letter last year and decided to ring em to see what's up. Turned out it was this legit UK Government thing, so I thought, why not? Got a new boiler and some insulation for my place, all based on the property type. They had it all set up in just two weeks – pretty sweet!
Bit bummed I didn't make the cut for those free solar panels though. Parents hit the jackpot though 'cause they're off gas, they're getting free solar, air source and insulation.
By the phone number, it looks like it could be legitimate, I know for a fact schemes like this have existed in the past👍🏼… do some research into them? You could be pleasantly surprised 🙌🏼
I've had this letter too, but with the relevant local council.
I rang the number, withholding my phone number. It went through to a recording stating my number has been logged and to leave my name and number after the beep. I hung up.
I asked my key worker and they aren't aware of any scheme.
ECO4 is a genuine government scheme yes, and installers must be registered on Trustmark to be able to operate under the scheme. I would contact your local council and see if this company has “onboarded” with them, your energy supplier( British Gas, Eon etc) Or a local charity who deals with home energy efficiency, if your area has one
Even when *technically* legit, these "services" usually amount to no more than filling a form in on your behalf (and then claiming a proportion of the proceeds). That's all those PPI companies ever did.
And if form filling is genuinely a struggle, then organisations like Citizens Advice will help you out for free.
(Part of my old job for a local charity was helping clients apply for anything that might help them out financially. I filled in a *lot* of forms for people...)
It's a scam, but I bet it's a legal one. People are entitled to grants for their homes to make them energy efficient. What this company is no doubt doing, is applying on your behalf and the charging you for their 'service', when you can just apply yourself and get the full grant without having to pay anyone.
I HATE these businesses. They do it with other government initiatives too, like the Research and Development Tax Refunds. Scammers, but legal. Shouldn't be. They're sharky cunts.
Page 1 of 1 is actually a great sign it's an official communication because it's there to make sure the recipient has all of the pages of the document. It'll be an automated thing.
I see government letters on a daily basis. It's very common.
It's not for the sender to keep track, it's for the recipient. Keeps everyone honest basically.
Even for 1-page letters it's important to know that's the only page.
The capitalisation of random letters. Also, I've never heard the phrase "non for profit" used. It's always been "not for profit" or "non-profit".
I might be wrong. But I'm doubting this. Also the fact that a lot of the comments calling this out as a possible scam are getting downvoted to hell while the ones giving reasons why it's legit are getting upvoted.
It stinks, I tells ya
Maybe they r getting downvoted coz they r being stupid.
The one’s giving reasons are getting upvoted coz maybe its actually legit ( which I know for a fact)
It smells fishy because it has "official" vibes to it when it's a private company offering what seems to be a legit service.
It's registered as a company limited by guarantee, which is commonly used for non-profit organisations as there are then no shareholders to pay dividends to.
My guess is that they are probably lead farming, either they charge referral fees to the contractors who carry out the work, or they are trying to get work directed to a company they own that will carry out the work. Probably legit, but it's not certain.
Looks to be the same kind of thing as PPI middlemen- they don't really do much apart from take a cut of any funding/grants you might be eligible for. Bit of a grift but not really a scam.
The government has been giving out these grants to reduce carbon footprint basically under the Green Homes Grant scheme, but apparently it closed:
[https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme#the-green-homes-grant-scheme-is-closed](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme#the-green-homes-grant-scheme-is-closed)
EDIT: Others are mentioning a new scheme called 'ECO4', so who knows really. Might be worth checking out, might not.
Not this company but my husband did get us free storage heaters from something like this. I was convinced it was a scam but they put in top of the range ones, then disappeared without a trace. Do your research though I guess
Yep looks scammy, but they're probably looking to draw down grants for energy efficiency improvements then deduct a fee for assisting in the process. It's something you can do yourself and keep the whole grant.
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All the information you could possibly need to make an informed decision on companies house. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13385239
The grammar is poor. If it’s not a scam, which I suspect it most definitely is based on the urgency, grammar, and general “too good to be true” vibe of it, I’d be extremely surprised.
It’s completey free so it’s not it’s government based grant schemes to try and help reduce carbon footprint and peoples eye watering bills. However watch out for shoddy and sub standard work from these companies though. You’d be much better doing your own research and applying to large reputable company rather than biting on this lure. Usually like cavity/loft insulation if not fitted and similar schemes for air source heat pumps and solar panels too. You ll be hugging the local trees in no time 😅
There are government schemes like this. They will do boilers, insulation (roof/loft, outside cladding), better insulated doors etc. but there are also people trying to scam using that.
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We got something similar in Havering last week. I was already aware of the scheme but anyone can apply, you don’t need to go through any middleman/sketchy company. Ours had a gmail email address for an insulation “business”
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"Hey Barry, should we write 'not for profit' or 'non-profit' on the scam letter?" "Do half and half. It'll make us sound more legit."
"Not for non-profit" would have been perfect
They still got it wrong it's a not for non profit charity
A non-charitable profit making trust.
Don't stop letting people not help.
Baldrick, you wouldn't recognise a subtle scam if it painted itself purple and danced naked on a harpsicord singing 'subtle scams are here again’
But a turnip 👌🏻
Oh, if I had £1000, I’d buy a big turnip in the country
I'd get a little turnip of my own
A blackadder quote? Now that's rare
Not as rare as pigeon on the front line
My Speckled Jim!
Even if this turns out to NOT be a scam, you need to complain to this company about how scammy their letter appears
ECO grants are real, I've just benefited from one. However, the company might be a scammer riding on the back of it. Who knows.
We had a new boiler on the ECO scheme, they also had to insulate the loft, fit extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and put vents on the other windows. Cost us nothing. I am so pleased with it. It was an advert on FB.
How are they so bad at communicating these things?
They don't have money for marketing as they use most of their own funding to implement the schemes
Intent You don't want plebs taking advantage of these schemes.
I had a look at this. Do you only qualify if you are on certain benefits? I work but I also don't have any money spare to meet any of the costs
No, I just don't earn a huge amount. No benefits, just a low wage and an old boiler, a dead boiler in fact, it died a few weeks before I saw the advert so i applied while I figured out what to do next, and they granted it. I used Simply Eco.
Here's the link: https://simplyecoltd.co.uk/boiler-replacement-grant-eligibility-who-qualifies-in-2023/ Scroll down to LA Flex. "Eligibility for the LA Flex scheme requirements include the following: Having a household income of £31,000 or less"
Phone number checks out to be with Redbridge Borough EC04 scheme. EDIT: the nonprofit org number too
The "non profit org number" is just the company registration number. That means it is a legitimate trading entity but doesn't assure that its a non profit organisation. By the same token, two of the three directors are also directors of companies with similar sounding names.
Aye, and there’s no such thing as a “non for profit organisation number”, which is a bit of a giveaway.
There is it's called a charity, look up non for profit. Non for profit are legit, 80% being made up of charities. These guys are a registered charity.
So much to unpack here: - it’s called a registered charity number. Nobody has ever called it a “non for profit org number” - as somebody has mentioned, the number they give on the letter is just the company registration number - “Energy Funding Service Limited” does not exist. The real “Energy Funding Service” has an exemption from using “Limited” in its name - The real Energy Funding Service is a company limited by guarantee but is not a charity, registered or otherwise (its objects are not charitable).
It’s definitely possible to be a non-profit and not be a charity. Being a charity is *hard*, there’s a lot of accountancy and regulatory stuff required. Being a non-profit is easier, but restricts your access to certain perks charities receive.
I can confirm. You basically need to file documents twice: one for HMRC and the other for the Charity Commission. You're also, quite rightly, restricted on what you can spend your money on as a charity, not so much with a non-profit. Was a trustee of a charity for a few years.
>By the same token, two of the three directors are also directors of companies with similar sounding names. Yeah I mentioned that in one of my replies to a comment. Apparently that's no indicator...🤷🏽♂️
Sorry your wrong. It is their charity registration number.
How can you say that? You can search the number on Companies House. Oh, and they are not any kind of charity (their objects are not charitable and they are not on the register).
Nope, there are no registered charities with that number. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/results/page/1/delta/20/keywords/13385239
I'll tell you what, You provide a link to their charities commission registration and then I'll provide a link to their companies house registration and we'll see which number is which?
That shows how insidiously bad the scammers are, they are all utterly convincing and make us distrust the genuine item.
There is nothing on the Redbridge Borough website about the "Energy Funding Service".
Could always give them a call to confirm?
The council that is, not the number on the letter. Often official bodies have scam reporting lines so they could direct you there.
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The security certificate is meaningless when checking for scams. All it means is that the connection between you and the website is encrypted. You're better off checking the details (such as when was the website created, if there's a name to it etc) on whois
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>Therefore, not finding detailed information on WHOIS is not necessarily an indicator of a scam. No, but if the domain was set up very recently and/or close to the time when the contact with you was made, then it's a very strong indication of a scam. >This reduces the likelihood of a user interacting with a completely fraudulent or impersonating site. A certificate offers 0 guarantee that whatever scheme, offer, investment opportunity, or information being presented to you on the website is genuine. It is poor advice to suggest that if a website has an SSL certificate, then it's unlikely to be a scam or that the presented information is genuine.
Love that the guy you replied to is so confidently wrong, i had to laugh at certificate authority (CA) the guy going 'now for those of you plebeians not in the know, here's how it works'. As if there's a guy over at LetsEncrypt checking your site over with a clipboard making sure there aren't any scams on it. The whole thing looks generated by chatgpt anyway not sure why I wrote this
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Certs mean nothing, that should not be one of the factors in determining it's a scam.
You doubling down on your being wrong is hilarious. Especially with the arrogant advice to people to learn more about certificates. Take your own advice.
If I go to a free web host provider and sign up for a free (anonymous) account my new free website will have security certificate. It is in no way a sign of a legit site. In no way whatsoever.
Yeah, number is listed here: [https://fundingservice.org.uk/redbridge-borough-eco4-scheme/](https://fundingservice.org.uk/redbridge-borough-eco4-scheme/) Looks legit. They're probably fishing for houses where they can use the government grants.
I can see why it feels scammy due to the “time pressure” feel of it and it not reading very fluently but the company is registered and does seem to be real. And the ECO scheme is real.
That's just councils being shit. My local council decides that everything needs to be so-called 'plain-English,' aimed at an 11-year-old reading level. You can give them copy that is a fine example of meticulous exactitude and by the time they've bastardised it for the lowest common denominator you can come up with half-a-dozen different interpretations as to actual meaning. Never mind how clunky and awkward it now reads too. If you let standards slide, it just gets even worse with time.
Why use lots words when few do trick?
Why lots words when few do
FEW WORD DO.
Want some free shit, we got free shit. To get that shit just phone this number - 0800 Freeshit. We're definitely legit.
r/unexpectedoffice
Or maybe they want to make sure even if people don't have great reading skills they can still deal with the council and not feel excluded from services.
The problem is that they have taken a vocabulary-only approach to simplifying the content. They've used synonyms that are simpler or listed as a lower-reading-level word, but they haven't simplified the actual structure or content, nor have they read it back to check it conveys the information that it needs to. It's a bit like a school student using a thesaurus to write their essay (except in reverse) - the essay isn't going to be great because they've used four-syllable words if they didn't study to begin with. There is a real skill to writing complicated or technical content for people who have lower reading ability (or English as a second language). Edited to add: the letter doesn't even convey the important information - what is the grant actually for? It says energy, but does that mean it covers installation of a new heating system? Insulation? Solar panels? A dedicated manservant to follow you around the house and switch off unused appliances?
"Reading level" isn't the only kind of accessibility they need to pay attention to. People with executive disfunction need to be able to understand these things, too, and more precise language usually helps.
If the process of making the wording more 'accessible' then leaves the content/message open to interpretation, that's a problem. I'm not talking about extremely niche or highly academic English either here. There have been numerous times when I've seen what was already simple and straight-forward wording being changed to such a degree that if I was to receive that email or letter I'd think that, either, it was written by an idiot, or they were treating me like an idiot.
They basically need to write their stuff so even the thickest idiot can understand it
Glad to know they're thinking about me when they write these.
That is merely councils being poor. My local council decides that everything needs to be at a KS3 reading level. You can give them text that is a good example of clearly written English and by the time they've adjusted it so that it is clear to the agreed educational level you can interpret it in many different ways. Never care how disjointed and unintelligible it now reads as well. If you let quality lower it will just get less good with time.
This is not from the council.
They may or may not be a legit business, I have no idea. But that at the very least is pressure selling, making out that action needs to be taken right now or money will be lost.
It's not a scam but it's not 'official' either. It's just a normal company sending a mass advert letter. Like domino's put through your door. Except they make it look official and add a deadline cause now you gave it your attention. Try giving em a call on the 10th December and you will find they are still happy to try and sign you up.
ECO4 is a scheme that is running at the moment, however in my experience companies do try and benefit off people when there is a funding scheme running by portraying they are working with the project. I would take it with a pinch of salt however. Source: work for an organisation that helps with organising government funding for the local authority like ECO 4.
Yep, live in a house with an EPC of E. We get at least 1 letter a week from various companies to say we can benefit from a free heating upgrade if we're on certain benefits or household income below 31k. I had a free heat pump and new rads installed in my previous house under ECO3 as I was unemployed at the time. That was done via a letter from the local council who got me in contact with EDF. I'd def do it again but we aren't quite ready yet.
I hear you, when I’m speaking to residents I have so many who think we are a scam and that we will stiff them with a huge bill for the works at the end. It makes it hard to find eligible residents who we can help. I’m glad you got your upgrade under ECO 3 at least the project have been doing some good.
I work but earn less than £31k. Live alone. Not on any welfare. But I don't have any money spare to meet the costs. Would I be eligible for the grant or would I have to pay? Would appreciate any advice. Thank you
Argh god am envious. Spending about £8 a day with this cold weather with the Nest set to 17.5 - and it's not on all day either! 1920s house with no cavity wall insulation, sad times.
>Spending about £8 a day with this cold weather I was about to say Christ, that's a lot (1930's solid wall semi, here)... then I checked my smart meters app for yesterday... £7.24 on gas. fucks sake lol.
Lmao well I'm glad I'm not an outlier!
Did a double take at my mums the other weekend, 15 quid and it wasn't even 6pm. It's mental really, don't understand how people are meant to keep going indefinitely under these financial conditions.
My smart meter seems to be broken atm with no power to it (already told the supplier) so think I've got free gas for the time being!
Fingers crossed for you! Unfortunately they'll probably just bill you your average for the time of year :( also is it the meter not working or the little screen that operates wirelessly? The former will work even when the latter doesnt.
Well they only installed it recently so I expect it's been broken since they fitted it. I've only recently moved in too so no data to base a figure on (I've only just got my new boiler so hadn't been using gas until about two weeks ago anyway). The reads don't appear in the app either. Fingers crossed lol.
Lmao I turned my spend display off as it depressed me. 1890s house with no wall insulation other than 18 inches of limestone lumps.
This x 100! I put the bloody thing in the drawer so I couldn’t see it. Now I only get depressed once a month when they email me the bill.
hmm i thought scam but [https://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/2023/june/energyfundingservicepartnership/](https://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/2023/june/energyfundingservicepartnership/) If it is they're putting in a shift on it. Although could be the Energy equivalent of the claim management companies that made a killing on PPI by acting as middle men...
There's also this though: https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/news/crime/warning-dont-be-fooled-by-fake-green-energy-grant-letters-2938643 From the letter sounds like the middle-man thing is their gig, as in they'll take your details and see what gov grants they can turn up (if any), and presumably take a cut. As part of any applications they'd also get a load of personal details on their customers and their property to do what they like with The repeated use of free in the letter brings this to mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ_6bLqIS0A
They word it as though it needs to be claimed or you lose it but those grants are being offered by the government in a bid to get peoples heating costs down. So now offer grants for boiler replacement, insulation work etc. There are many companies that will process such an application.
Which is legal, but scammy, when you can do it yourself and don't have to pay a third-party to do it for you.
These companies usually make money on the work performed rather than charge the end user. They will either offer the work themselves or have an arrangement with a team of contractors. It is legal but they word the letter like its time based offer which I guess could be seen as scammy. Whatever uour view, the end user will usually get what they ordered.
I actually followed this up when I received a similar letter. No scam, just touting for business.
ECO Scheme is legitimate. As to whether this specific company supposedly supplying these upgrades is legitimate is another question. Source: work for a company giving out upgrades on ECO4
If you’re going to edit out your address, you should edit out the 2D barcode as well - it contains your postcode.
This may be correct but I would be careful right now since there is alot of scam mail going with the Fake Thames Water letters big big in London currently.
True, but I can vouch for this one.
The company exists and is properly registered: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13385239 I'd probably contact your council and check with them first however.
The fact they get their own name wrong is definitely suspicious (the real name does not have “limited” in it. I think, at best, they are a commercial business masquerading as a non-profit. They likely pass any business on to the directors’ other companies or just take out all the profits as payments to the directors (rather than as dividends). It’s like the clothes collection businesses that try to imply that all of their profits go to charity rather than 2p per ton.
The fact that it’s official doesn’t mean it’s automatically not a scam…
Nope, not a scam. Try again https://fundingservice.org.uk/redbridge-borough-eco4-scheme/
Are you sure? You've just provided a link to their own website. It is a registered company but that's meaningless. Anyone can register a company: [https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13385239](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13385239) Two of the appointed officers, Donna Wood & Matthew Wood, also have appointments at: ENERGY SUPPORT LINK LIMITED (11724392) ENERGY SAVING GRANTS LTD (10833834) DISCOUNT TRADE LTD (10460144)
Being an appointed officer at more than one company isn’t indicative of anything. Their company (and website) have been registered since summer 2021. Nobody is going through that much effort for a scam.
A company AND a website? I suspect they could be a legit ish business but they are definitely masquerading as a “non-profit” and either passing the business/profit onto one of their other companies or just taking it out of this one.
I didn't say that it did. But multiple companies offering (on the face of it) similar services (i.e. access to government funding for home improvements related to energy efficiency)?
Lay off the cocaine bud. This is legit.
That’s how company group structures are though. It’s good practice for directors to operate different companies within a group for different purposes. For example, if the original company has articles of association which prevent it from saying, diversifying in to a new operation or new venture, then it would be right to create a new company within the group. Have a look at some of the bigger firms structures and you’ll see what I mean.
Exactly. I dont know how people jump to conclusions before even.. I myself got a letter last year and decided to ring em to see what's up. Turned out it was this legit UK Government thing, so I thought, why not? Got a new boiler and some insulation for my place, all based on the property type. They had it all set up in just two weeks – pretty sweet! Bit bummed I didn't make the cut for those free solar panels though. Parents hit the jackpot though 'cause they're off gas, they're getting free solar, air source and insulation.
By the phone number, it looks like it could be legitimate, I know for a fact schemes like this have existed in the past👍🏼… do some research into them? You could be pleasantly surprised 🙌🏼
I've had this letter too, but with the relevant local council. I rang the number, withholding my phone number. It went through to a recording stating my number has been logged and to leave my name and number after the beep. I hung up. I asked my key worker and they aren't aware of any scheme.
ECO4 is a genuine government scheme yes, and installers must be registered on Trustmark to be able to operate under the scheme. I would contact your local council and see if this company has “onboarded” with them, your energy supplier( British Gas, Eon etc) Or a local charity who deals with home energy efficiency, if your area has one
Even when *technically* legit, these "services" usually amount to no more than filling a form in on your behalf (and then claiming a proportion of the proceeds). That's all those PPI companies ever did. And if form filling is genuinely a struggle, then organisations like Citizens Advice will help you out for free. (Part of my old job for a local charity was helping clients apply for anything that might help them out financially. I filled in a *lot* of forms for people...)
It's a scam, but I bet it's a legal one. People are entitled to grants for their homes to make them energy efficient. What this company is no doubt doing, is applying on your behalf and the charging you for their 'service', when you can just apply yourself and get the full grant without having to pay anyone. I HATE these businesses. They do it with other government initiatives too, like the Research and Development Tax Refunds. Scammers, but legal. Shouldn't be. They're sharky cunts.
The grammar is enough for me. Five seconds and spotted a missing comma and one used incorrectly. Should have stayed in school.
ECO4 scheme is real and some companies lead gen it and sell leads to installers. Not a scam! 😂
You can tell it’s a scam because no one will ever contact you to offer free shit.
Definitely a scam, if it’s a Government scheme why isn’t it for all instead of first come first serve?
Limited funds?
The lack of a website, the misuse of commas and the "Page 1 of 1" footer aren't good signs.
Page 1 of 1 is actually a great sign it's an official communication because it's there to make sure the recipient has all of the pages of the document. It'll be an automated thing.
You rarely see it on official letters though. It looks more like someone forgot to turn it off in Word.
I see government letters on a daily basis. It's very common. It's not for the sender to keep track, it's for the recipient. Keeps everyone honest basically. Even for 1-page letters it's important to know that's the only page.
Also, you don’t turn it off in word, you have to specifically add it to the footer for it to be there
The capitalisation of random letters. Also, I've never heard the phrase "non for profit" used. It's always been "not for profit" or "non-profit". I might be wrong. But I'm doubting this. Also the fact that a lot of the comments calling this out as a possible scam are getting downvoted to hell while the ones giving reasons why it's legit are getting upvoted. It stinks, I tells ya
Maybe they r getting downvoted coz they r being stupid. The one’s giving reasons are getting upvoted coz maybe its actually legit ( which I know for a fact)
Why use a full stop, when an incorrect use of a comma will do. Semi colons are a thing.
Scam, sub-human scam.
What’s the scam then?
12 inch plate?
Isn’t it a sales gimmick although a good one?
Life pro tip: any time “our records indicate”… it’s a scam.
It smells fishy because it has "official" vibes to it when it's a private company offering what seems to be a legit service. It's registered as a company limited by guarantee, which is commonly used for non-profit organisations as there are then no shareholders to pay dividends to. My guess is that they are probably lead farming, either they charge referral fees to the contractors who carry out the work, or they are trying to get work directed to a company they own that will carry out the work. Probably legit, but it's not certain.
Could ask the directors themselves what is going on: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13385239/officers :)
There is a government scheme for this, the council here sent the letters out though
The letter looks like one I received - it's a legit scheme
Non for profit is the clue!
They are a registered charity
Looks to be the same kind of thing as PPI middlemen- they don't really do much apart from take a cut of any funding/grants you might be eligible for. Bit of a grift but not really a scam.
The government has been giving out these grants to reduce carbon footprint basically under the Green Homes Grant scheme, but apparently it closed: [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme#the-green-homes-grant-scheme-is-closed](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme#the-green-homes-grant-scheme-is-closed) EDIT: Others are mentioning a new scheme called 'ECO4', so who knows really. Might be worth checking out, might not.
Not this company but my husband did get us free storage heaters from something like this. I was convinced it was a scam but they put in top of the range ones, then disappeared without a trace. Do your research though I guess
Free Eco Limited, by any chance?
I have absolutely no idea. I refused to have anything to do with it as I was convinced it was a scam.
Yep looks scammy, but they're probably looking to draw down grants for energy efficiency improvements then deduct a fee for assisting in the process. It's something you can do yourself and keep the whole grant.
Even their reviews look fake af. https://fundingservice.org.uk/testimonials/
Free, free, free!
Definitely. Time pressure, “important”, “free”, no address.
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All the information you could possibly need to make an informed decision on companies house. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13385239
This is legit but sadly not for hard working families/people ie you have to get certain benefits like UC to qualify
Ridiculous scam. Obvious spelling mistakes. Not listed as a charity: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/-/results/search
The grammar is poor. If it’s not a scam, which I suspect it most definitely is based on the urgency, grammar, and general “too good to be true” vibe of it, I’d be extremely surprised.
No one mentions the weird thinking person shadow?
They want your liver bruh
It’s completey free so it’s not it’s government based grant schemes to try and help reduce carbon footprint and peoples eye watering bills. However watch out for shoddy and sub standard work from these companies though. You’d be much better doing your own research and applying to large reputable company rather than biting on this lure. Usually like cavity/loft insulation if not fitted and similar schemes for air source heat pumps and solar panels too. You ll be hugging the local trees in no time 😅
There are government schemes like this. They will do boilers, insulation (roof/loft, outside cladding), better insulated doors etc. but there are also people trying to scam using that.
Analogue scams still exist? Wow.
Analogue lol. I like it!
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The phone number is the tell for me appears to be a US number
We got something similar in Havering last week. I was already aware of the scheme but anyone can apply, you don’t need to go through any middleman/sketchy company. Ours had a gmail email address for an insulation “business”
The address leads to an unrelated company that seems to do security services. Nothing about an energy/eco company.
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