Protecting yourself against energy scams
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As the cost of living crisis worsens, we’ve seen an increase in scammers offering false energy schemes in order to trick victims into handing over money and payment details.
It’s tempting to think you wouldn’t fall victim to a scam, but with energy prices rising and a number of government initiatives and advice from energy firms, it’s easy to get confused.
We’ve highlighted some of the most common scams as well as sharing how to protect yourself against potential scammers.
If you think you’ve spotted a scam, you can speak to a Scams Action adviser by calling 0808 250 5050 or report a scam by visiting the Scams Action website.
Be wary of fake refunds
One common tactic scammers use is to pose as energy companies claiming you’ve overpaid and are entitled to a refund, before asking for your bank details to get your money.
Scammers can sometimes ‘spoof’ organisations by using an email display name of their choice - you should always read the full underlying email address of the sender.
If you're unsure, don’t be afraid to contact your energy supplier (using the number from their website or one of your bills) to check what you’ve been told is genuine.
Scammers posing as debt collectors
Another worrying trend is scammers pretending to be from debt collection agencies, demanding payment on behalf of energy companies that have previously shut down.
If your energy supplier ceases trading, Ofgem will appoint a successor company to manage your account and act as a point of contact to verify any payment requests you recieve.
Contact regarding outstanding balances or credit will be received a few months down the line - and will never come in the form of someone knocking on your door unannounced.
Beware of energy saving gadgets
Some scammers claim to be offering a product that can shave ‘up to 90%’ off your energy bills, claiming big energy companies don’t want you to know about it.
These devices haven’t been proven to save any energy and are often poorly made and fail fire safety tests, risking causing fires or electric shocks.
When buying electronics, beware of claims that are too good to be true and always look for a CE/UKCA safety mark before plugging it in or turning it on.
If you’ve been tricked into buying one of these devices, stop using it immediately. If you paid on a credit or debit card, you may be able to claim a refund under Section 75.
Green home improvement grants
Many government energy initiatives have come and gone over the years - most recently the Green Home Improvement Grant, which ended in 2021.
Scammers often pose as being from legitimate government schemes to get your money, only for tradespeople to never turn up or do a shoddy job after you’ve already paid.
You should always read reviews and recommendations online to find a reputable contractor, and pay using a secure method such as credit card or Paypal, rather than bank transfer.
Cloning prepayment meter keys
One scam targeting prepayment customers sees criminals cloning prepayment meter keys with a high amount of credit on them, before offering them for sale at half the price.
It might seem like a good deal for households at a time when many are struggling, however this can often backfire months or years down the line when your supplier investigates.
When your supplier realises you’ve not been paying for your energy, you could end up paying again for the energy that you’ve used - this time at full price.
Installing a smart video doorbell may deter scammers from calling at your property, as their appearance will be recorded on camera.
Think twice about tampering with your meter
False theories on social media may claim that you can save money by tampering with your energy meter, or that you’re being charged simply for having a meter installed.
Tampering with an energy meter is very dangerous and unlawful - you could risk up to 3 years in prison, as well as potentially causing shocks, sparks, fire or explosion, endangering the lives of yourself and others.
If you suspect a meter has been tampered with, you can report it anonymously to Stay Energy Safe on 0800 023 2777.
If you smell gas you should open doors and windows, turn the gas off (if you can do so safely), exit the property immediately and call National Grid on 0800 111 999.
