Solar Energy Scams are Against the Law

SOLAR ENERGY SCAMS ARE AGAINST THE LAW

The residential solar energy industry has expanded significantly over the past decade, multiplying the number of companies serving consumers. At the same time, federal and state regulators have received an increase in consumer complaints about a small number of unscrupulous solar companies. People complain that they were deceived about costs and savings, misled about loans and tax credits, and pressured by aggressive sales and marketing tactics. The Treasury Department works with other federal agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to spread the word about shutting down scams and bad business practices involving clean energy.

FILING A COMPLAINT ABOUT A CONSUMER SCAM

If you have experienced a scam, federal and state agencies can help.

YOU SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT WITH:

• If a business doesn’t make good on its promises or cheats you out of your money, the FTC wants to know: ReportFraud.FTC.govhttp://ReportFraud.FTC.gov.
• Having trouble with a financial product or service? Submit a complaint online with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or call 1-855-411- CFPB (2372).
• Some states have their own consumer protection offices. Check what resources are available in your state: usa.gov/state-consumer. Find your state’s utility consumer advocate at nasuca.org/members.
• Nonprofit legal services can help you stand up for your rights in cases of fraud, abuse, or deception: lsc. gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/i-need-legal-help or lawhelp.org.