ICO Fines Rogue Operators £550,000 for Illegal Home Improvement 'Robo Calls'

Beware of 'robo calls' offering free surveys or energy-saving deals. The ICO warns homeowners to check companies' legitimacy and report nuisance calls.

, and Administrator

2025 September 30 . 7:46 PM

1 min read

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ICO Fines Rogue Operators £550,000 for Illegal Home Improvement 'Robo Calls'

Homeowners are being targeted by rogue operators using automated 'robo calls' to sell home improvement products, according to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The surge in these calls comes as demand for energy-saving home upgrades increases. The ICO has fined two companies, Home Improvement Marketing Ltd (HIM) and Green Spark Energy Ltd (GSE), a total of £550,000 for making millions of automated marketing calls without proper consent.

The ICO warns that these rogue operators use overseas call centers and 'avatar software' to mimic UK-based advisors. However, the conversations are scripted and always steer towards selling specific home improvement products. The ICO advises homeowners to check if a company is genuine before agreeing to a 'free survey' or energy-saving offer. They should also ensure proper consent was given for the call. The ICO has reported several cases of unscrupulous companies using automated calls, including Goody Market Services Ltd and Persistent Callers. These companies have been fined or warned for making millions of unauthorized marketing calls or engaging in fraudulent activities.

The ICO emphasizes the importance of public reporting in taking enforcement action against rogue firms. They urge people to register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), report nuisance calls, and forward fraud complaints to Action Fraud or Trading Standards. Homeowners should be vigilant and cautious when dealing with companies offering home improvement services, especially those that contact them unexpectedly.