Questions shine light on solar scams

South West residents are being reminded to ask questions before handing over personal or bank details after a recent spate of scams.

Christa Rogers from Busselton received a phone call last week from a business called Green Energy, which was selling solar panels.

She said the woman on the phone said there was a special offer and the company could send someone for a measure and quote the next day.

"The lady said I could save 70 per cent off my energy bill and that they had a great special going," she said.

"I've received quite a few scam phone calls lately so I was suspicious.

"I asked her where the business was located and she said Brisbane.

"I then asked her what the phone number was and she asked why I wanted to know the phone number and I said 'because I want to see if you're a legitimate business' and then she hung up.

"The business seemed legitimate and with solar energy and being environmentally friendly being so important these days, I can see how vulnerable people could fall for it."

Department of Commerce South West regional co-ordinator Debbie Butler said it was important to ask questions.

"If someone calls and wants to make an appointment to come to your house and sell you something that could cost thousands of dollars, it's important to ask the questions," she said.

"Ask their business name, where they are calling from and a phone number so you can call them.

"In this situation the woman has done the right thing.

"If you think you are dealing with a scam call it's important to report it Consumer Protection and we can look for patterns and trends and put warnings out to the community."