Should I be suspicious?

The “ do you live alone” question is usually a hint that something is not right. No one should be asking that question to anyone .... stay suspicious !!

I once had a phone call (can't remember what it was about) to which I replied I live in a Park Home (Mobile Home), response from caller "we don't deal with Gypsies" & he slammed the phone down. I was furious at first & then so the funny side, what an assumption to make, never been called a Gypsy in my life & I'm sure true Romany's would be equally offended.

I don't respond to cold callers, fortunately most calls come through on my mobile so I check with the "who called me" site & block if they've been reported as scams, nuisance etc.

I also check for any schemes on-line to ensure they are genuine. Although I own my Home I have had exterior & underfloor insulation done through Local Council & a new Gas Boiler. My windows require replacement but I shall approach the Council to see if there are Grants available.

I think the rule is that if you receive a cold call it is not for your benefit. So say goodbye and dont worry about it.

It's best to be untrusting. I haven't had a Heat Loss thing, but loads of others. I don't anwer anything now, nor open unknown emails, etc. There are some clever scams out there. Be very suspicious!

Whenever I get calls or anyone knocking at my door with this kind of thing, I LIE and say I'm only renting the house - I never get a 2nd call/visit.

I have a friendly Jehovah witness man who has been coming to mine once a fortnight for about 30 years.
He had a very persistent person phone and tell him he had 'won' a free gift of two memory foam pillows, which had to be delivered in person.
(The person was hoping to demonstrate an adjustable bed)
My friend said he would happily allow this persons free gift, as long as he was prepared to listen to how there was an even more amazing free gift.
The gift of eternal life!
Salesman didn't take him up on the offer.

Can't resist telling you about a friend of ours who had a call from a double glazing company. He put on his very strong Norfolk accent and pretended to be very interested in the conservatory they were trying to sell him and, as he is a surveyor he had lots of question he could ask. He kept them on the phone for ages and even agreed to them coming to do a survey. Just as the call was ending he asked them if he had to get permission from the flat downstairs! No, he doesn't live in a flat.

You are absolutely right to be suspicious. It's a total scam - either trying to sell you something you don't need or, worse, trying to gain access to your house to case the joint for a subsequent burglary. Put the phone down, block the number etc...

That used to be my (truthful) response MOnica but since we downsized to a smaller house I haven’t used it - maybe I should just fib!

A couple of years ago I had free loft insulation installed under a 'government scheme'. It was pretty basic, but it WAS free, and they didn't try to sell me anything extra. They told me their biggest problem was getting people to accept that it wasn't a scam!

But yours does sound suspicious.

I suppose your answer should be "I'm alright Jack!".

If in doubt block it out

I say yes yes yes... then right at the end ask them ‘shall I get in touch with my local council? I rent from them so they’ll be the ones paying the bill...’

Usually results in the phone being put down or an exasperated sigh from the other end...

Well, my phone doesn’t ring often... and it’s good to talk so they say

Its made up. We get lots of them trying this type of approach. Put the phone down or leave it off the hook so they waste their time. Or block the number if you can.

If it is not someone I know on the phone I just hang up immediately. Life is too short & I am too busy to waste time on these time wasting cold callers.
Friends use my mobile anyway.

I live in Scotland and when I get calls about "government" schemes, I ask which government? If they don't know whether it's a Westminster scheme or a Holyrood scheme, that's usually a fair clue that it doesn't exist.

Another response is 'I have no idea, I will ask the landlord/landlady'.

There was a Heat Loss Assessment questionnaire to be used by non-domestic users
www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/heat-loss-assessment-guidance

but this definitely sounds like a scam of some kind - someone has latched on to the name to try to bamboozle you.

No no no

Look up on line for any titles etc given - it will always give a clue about made up or not, in my experience!

My (truthful) response to the 'grants for retired' for insulation etc is 'I live in a Listed Building'. It works for all kinds of building related cold calling. Feel free to use it, whether it is truthful or not

When I get cold calls I simply tell them I only deal with ethical companies. That often makes them put the phone down but occasionally they question it and I explain that no ethical company would call someone who is signed up to the TPS.

"I will just talk to my husband and son about this" - very sexist I know, but it will put them right off.

"Could you please give me the phone number and web address of your company?"

"Could you please tell me the web address of the government department making these grants?"

.....etc. etc. - or just put down the phone.

Never engage with cold callers, or folks who knock on the door trying to sell you windows, double glazing or cavity wall insulation.
Use a local builder, someone recommended by others or someone with a well established business.

Thanks Melanie I thought that might be the case.