Advice on Scams Related to Home Energy
Unfortunately, there are reported cases of scammers trying to impersonate energy suppliers, the energy regulator Ofgem, installers, grant schemes and energy advice organisations.
We’re sharing this not to panic anyone – but just so we can all be better prepared to recognise and avoid the problem.
They impersonate different organisations to build up trust with you to make them sound legitimate, usually either to gather people’s personal information or money.
Scammers can contact people in numerous ways: by phone, text message, email, or even door to door. There are legitimate people that will contact you with things relating to energy, so how can you tell the difference between a genuine message, for example from your energy provider, and a scam?
Signs to look for that might mean it’s an energy scam
– They contact you unexpectedly, particularly by phone (known as cold calling).
– The energy deal or the support they are offering looks too good to be true.
– They ask for personal information such as bank details.
– They put you in a pressured situation – for example paying a sum of money or deposit. It could also be they ask for an unusually large amount.
– There are spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors in the message. (Although this isn’t always the case).
– Look at the name of the person sending you the message or their email address, is this spelled correctly and does it sound right? Does the ‘from’ address in an email match the address on the company’s official website, or are they impersonating the company from a fake address?
– If tradespeople are coming to your door without official ID, offering deals that sound too good to be true, claiming to have just spotted an urgent problem (again a pressurised situation) or saying you need to pay on the spot.
Examples of Energy Scams
Tradespeople approach you on the doorstep and advise that your loft insulation is old and needs replacing. They sometimes say it’s a fire hazard, thereby putting pressure on you to accept what they’re saying because it seems urgent. They then tell you that its part government funded but ask you to pay the difference.
Remember – Government schemes wont cold call like this or ask for money up front. Tell doorstep callers that you do not engage at the doorstep, and that they should write to you about any offer, thereby giving you the opportunity to fully check out the offer without feeling pressurised.
We published another piece specifically on door-to-door trades, why to avoid them and how to find good tradespeople here.
Scammers often pretend to represent the council or another organisation with authority.
Their ID might look genuine, but don’t be fooled. Genuine organisations don’t usually cold call.
So, any unexpected contact should be treated with suspicion. Make a call – if the ID badge says they work for a company or council, then call the general number for this organisation, by finding it online, and ask if the person in front of you is genuine
What to do if you think you have spotted a scam:
Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use their online form.
You can send suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, and The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will investigate the email.
Forward suspicious text messages to 7726: This is a number that most mobile customers using UK networks can text to report unwanted SMS messages or phone calls on a mobile.
When you have done this, it alerts your mobile provider to investigate the number and potentially remove it.
If it’s regarding a tradesperson that has come to your door, you can refer to Selce’s article (link above) and report the business/organisation to Trading Standards.
If you ever feel threatened or unsafe, always call 999 in an emergency.
There are also several organisations that can help you if you have been affected by energy scams, for example, Citizens Advice and Age UK (if you are over 50). More helpful organisations can be found on Action Fraud’s website.
What to do if you have given personal details
If you realise you have given personal details to a scammer like your bank details, contact your bank immediately.
That way, they can freeze your account and provide further advice on next steps.
Additionally, if you have online or mobile banking, you can freeze your account from your mobile app or via the website as well.
Overall, energy suppliers may on occasion contact you unexpectedly, so it’s crucial that you know what is legitimate and what is a scam. The energy regulator Ofgem will never sell you energy, ask for personal information, or come to your property.
The safest response is to say no, if you have any doubts or want to time to double-check what you’re being told.
When Selce contacts you, we will never ask for any personal banking details. You will only be contacted by Selce if you have been referred into us by a partner or community organisation, or if you met us at an event or energy café, or if you contacted us previously for support.
We will never cold call you or try to sell you something. Our calls come from an 020 number, and if you don’t pick up, we will always leave a voicemail or message stating that we called and the reason for calling.
If you need any advice about energy bills, making your home warmer, or have questions about any energy or water-related matter please contact us on 020 4566 5764 or energy.advice@selce.org.uk. A reminder we can help all year round, not just winter.
More information
Four ways energy scammers could con you – Which?
Stay Energy Safe: Beware of Energy Scams: How to Protect Yourself in 2026
Energy Saving Trust: How to spot an energy scam