The public is being urged to stay alert after two green energy companies were fined more than £500,000 for unlawful robocalls.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) fined Home Improvement Marketing Ltd (HIM) £300,000 and issued an enforcement notice ordering it to stop making the calls. The Pembrokeshire-based company made 2.4 million automated calls, offering solar panels through “Energy Hub” and “Energy Saving Team”. It received 274 complaints.
Green Spark Energy Ltd (GSE), based in Durham, was fined £250,000 for making 9.5 million calls. Nearly 500 people complained, including elderly and cancer patients.
Both companies used avatar software that made recipients think they were speaking to “Jo”, “Helen” or “Ian” from the UK. In reality, they were hearing scripted lines recorded by actors and played by overseas agents.
One recording included misleading claims that fibreglass insulation was causing damage or mould, warning of supposed health risks. The purpose of the calls was to book surveyor appointments.
Under UK law, firms must get consent before making automated marketing calls. Andy Curry, head of investigations at the ICO, said robocall technology is making it harder for the public to recognise and report these calls.
He warned: “We’ve heard disturbing reports of companies using robo technology to fool elderly and vulnerable people.”
The ICO has issued tips to identify robocalls, including pauses before replies, delayed responses, and repetitive answers. Officials say they will continue to act against firms breaking the rules.
