Insulation, heat pumps, solar panels… Energy renovation work attracts homeowners, but also unscrupulous companies. Abusive cold calling, unclear quotes, misleading labels: the traps are numerous. Here is how to recognise them and protect yourself before signing.
Cold calling for energy renovation is prohibited
The law of 24 July 2020 prohibits telephone cold calling for the sale of equipment or the carrying out of energy renovation work. If you receive a call promising you a “renovation for 1 euro”, do not follow it up: it is a fraud.
The law of 3 July 2025 extended this prohibition to cold calling by message on an interpersonal communications service, by email and on social networks (source ANIL).
If you have signed a contract following prohibited cold calling, you can apply to the court to have it cancelled.
The other cold calling techniques to be aware of
- Online cold calling : do not disclose your personal details or your tax identifiers on web pages dedicated to renovation, to prevent a third party from claiming public aid in your name.
- Cold calling by email or SMS : be careful, the sender may impersonate a certified body such as ADEME or Anah. No institution engages in cold calling on energy renovation.
- Door-to-door cold calling : do not sign anything at the first meeting. Take the time to obtain comparative quotes. If you have signed a contract following door-to-door cold calling, you have a 14-day withdrawal period.
How to report fraudulent cold calling?
You can report fraudulent cold calling:
- By SMS to 33 700 by typing “spam vocal” followed by the caller's number, or on the website 33700.fr.
- On cybermalveillance.gouv.fr.
- On the SignalConso platform of the DGCCRF.
Check the company's information
Before entrusting your work, make sure the company really exists and is qualified.
Check that the company exists
- Consult the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS), online or at the registry of the commercial court. There you will find the legal status, address, directors and date of creation.
- Ask for the SIRET number and check it on the website ofINSEE.
- The website Infogreffe also allows you to check the legal information of companies.
Check the label or qualification
To benefit from certain aid such as MaPrimeRénov’ or the zero-interest eco-loan, you must choose a professional labelled “Reconnu garant de l’environnement” (RGE). Be careful: using a labelled professional does not protect against possible misleading commercial practices.
Who to contact if in doubt?
The France Rénov’ network provides a directory of RGE-certified professionals and architects listed on france-renov.gouv.fr. From 1 October 2026, any promotional or advertising material offering energy renovation work must include a reference to France Rénov’.
The ADILs (Départemental Agencies for Housing Information) provide you with free and impartial information about your rights. For any question relating to your home, contact the ADIL nearest to you.
Before signing a quote, take the time to compare several proposals and check each company. If in doubt, do not commit and seek support from a legal professional or a consumers’ association.
Are you considering energy renovation work in the Annecy area or the Genevois? Our team can point you towards trusted partners. Contact us to discuss it.