How to spot an energy scam

MCS has issued a warning that there are imposters claiming to be from MCS. These fradulent companies are texting people to mislead them by saying their ‘solar panel warranty has expired’.

There’s also a company that’s texting, emailing and cold calling people to sell them a ‘maintenance package’ while pretending to be with MCS.

For more information about this scam, read MCS’s article.

This is where a scammer claims to be from the energy regulator Ofgem. They may ask you to change your bank details or provide personal information to get funding or cheap energy. 

Ofgem will never ask you for personal information, sell you energy, or show up at your house.

Another way a scammer might try to trick you is by telling you that your home is unsafe. Some typical scams could start by them saying:

• You need to immediately make changes to prevent harm to you and your household.
• They can install energy efficiency improvements to save money on your bills.
• You have spray foam insulation that needs to be removed.

This can be extremely worrying. The best thing you can do to put your mind at rest is call Citizens Advice or check with a qualified and accredited professional.

Some scammers might use the fact you have solar panels to try and pressure you into maintenance contracts. This can especially happen if the company who installed your solar panel system is no longer trading. Which? has advice for people who’ve been approached by these sorts of scammers.

There have also been social media adverts offering other home improvements like insulation or heat pumps. While the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Great British Insulation Scheme do offer financial support, you should apply for these government schemes yourself.

Never click on an email link unless you’ve solicited the information first and always do your research so you can make an informed decision.

Prepayment meter scams

This scam involves criminals offering cloned energy top up keys to people on pre-payment meters, promising a cut-price deal on their energy.

The reality is your energy company will detect that they haven’t had payment for the energy and will charge you regardless. This means you get charged twice – once by the scammer and once by your energy supplier.

Scammers might also try knocking on your door offering these cloned keys. Energy suppliers will never sell electricity top-ups door-to-door, so always top up your key from an official outlet.

Action Fraud has more information about this type of scam, including what you should do if you’re targeted.

Smart meter scams

Smart meters are free to install. Your energy supplier should organise the installation and only carried out by a qualified professional.

Scammers may impersonate your provider or another company to trick you into agreeing to an installation, sometimes requesting an upfront fee or personal details.

Meter reading scams

There are still meter reading scams taking place in the UK. They usually involved a scammer impersonating an official meter reader to gain access to your house or personal information.

As more people get smart meters, in-person meter readings are rarer. Official meter readers will have photographic ID to prove that they work for your provider, but you’re also best to check with the supplier directly. Don’t use phone number the person gives at your door: find the official number online or on a bill.

Scammers might mention a £400 government energy bill rebate, known as the Energy Bills Support Scheme, to trick people into handing over their details.

This scheme ended for most households in March 2023, and payments would have come directly from your electricity supplier. 

Even though the scheme has ended, scammers may adapt this tactic to try and steal your details.

Other tactics have included promises of money to people of pension age or disabled people.