Solar Scam Warning Issued

A SOLAR SCAM warning was issued by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) after it was made aware of several cases of scammers imitating the MCS brand and ‘scaremongering’ by providing false and misleading information.

MCS says it has received evidence from consumers who have had text messages stating their solar warranty has expired and asking them to call the number provided to get it renewed. In these cases, the sender ID shows as ‘MCS’.

MCS has confirmed it is not the sender of these text messages and the phone number provided is not linked to the organisation in any way. MCS warns if you do receive a text or call claiming to be from MCS, check the number and ask why they are calling.

The organisation says it is also aware that a company is falsely claiming to be MCS and misleading customers. The company is said to be reaching out to consumers via texts, emails and cold calls, presenting themselves as representatives of MCS and attempting to sell a ‘maintenance package’ as well as ‘warranty packages’ by falsely claiming that the customer’s warranty has expired.

The only website linked to MCS is its official website here.

Solar Scam

Following on from the complaints received, MCS says it has immediately taken the necessary steps to report these scams to the relevant bodies.

The spam text message regarding solar PV warranty has been reported to Ofcom and the National Cyber Security Centre. MCS urges recipients of these texts to forward them to 7726 following advice from Ofcom. More information on this can be found on the Ofcom website here.

The company claiming to be aligned with MCS has been reported to the relevant Trading Standards office. The organisation says it has also issued a cease and desist letter to the company to ask that they refrain from such activity immediately.

Any customers unsure of the validity of any communications received should contact the MCS Customer Support Helpdesk for guidance.

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