Lexington says scammers are posing as representatives of city’s new solar program
Scammers claiming to be affiliated with a Lexington initiative to boost solar power uptake are targeting area homeowners.
The city government issued the warning in a news release Friday, advising residents to avoid giving out their information to anyone claiming to be with Solarize Lexington. In some cases, the fraudsters are going door-to-door, requesting homeowners’ information to determine eligibility for the program.
The city said it is only following up with those who requested an assessment directly.
“Do not provide information to anyone else claiming association with the program. Report such individuals by calling the (Lexington) Police Department using their non-emergency number, (859) 258-3600,” the notice from the city said.
What is Solarize Lexington?
Through the new program, qualifying homeowners in Lexington and Fayette County can get a free assessment to see if their property is a good fit for solar power. Local nonprofit organizations, small businesses and places of worship are also eligible.
Should you qualify, you could receive a discount of up to 20% on your solar system’s installation, the program’s director, Jada Griggs, told the Herald-Leader. Griggs is the senior manager of sustainability at the Division of Environmental Services for the Lexington-Fayette County Urban Government.
The discount is possible through a citywide buying group purchasing through Solar Energy Solution, a local solar installation company.
How can I protect myself from scammers?
Neither the city of Lexington nor Solar Energy Solutions will contact you about the program unless you complete the assessment form available through lexingtonky.gov/solarize-lexington.
The city said in its news release Friday applicants should contact the city’s Community and Resident Services to confirm their assessor is with the program’s selected provider, Solar Energy Solutions.
Calls from the city will start with an 859-425 or 859-258 number. If you suspect the phone number has been spoofed, as many scammers do, you can ask for a name and return the call through LexCall at 859-425-2255 to confirm.
Friday, Lexington’s Director of Environmental Services Jennifer Carey told the Herald-Leader at least one case of scamming had occurred and it happened the weekend of March 18.
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