Why we'll never ask you to "see if you qualify"

Search for new windows, a new boiler or solar panels and you'll soon see adverts asking you to "see if you qualify". They often mention grants, government schemes or a limited number of places.

It's a powerful phrase. It suggests there's something valuable on offer, and that you might miss out if you don't check. But on many of these sites, there's nothing to qualify for. Whatever you answer, you "qualify", and your details are passed on, often to several companies you've never heard of.

What we do instead

We built Vetted North around a simple idea: you should know exactly what happens before you share anything.

• There's nothing to qualify for. We ask questions so we can introduce the right specialists, not to test you.
• You choose how many companies contact you. One, two or three. Never more.
• You see who they are first. We tell you each specialist's name and the checks they've passed.
• We say how we're paid. Specialists pay us a fee for introductions. It's free for you.
• If you're just researching, nobody gets your details.

Protecting yourself

Some websites borrow the language of government grants or homebuying help, including schemes that have closed. Before you share your details, check who runs the site, look for the scheme on GOV.UK and be wary of anyone asking for money or bank details up front.

We've written a fuller guide on spotting misleading grants and offers, including where to report them.