The UK Government is warning people that there’s been an increase in text scams targeting people about the Warm Home Discount.
If you’re eligible for the Warm Home Discount, you’ll get a letter in the post. You won’t be contacted by text, and you won’t be asked for any bank details. If you do get a text about the Warm Home Discount, it’s a scam.
For more information on the Warm Home Discount, read our guide on financial support for home energy efficiency.
Energy scams involve people pretending to be energy suppliers, regulators, or other associated companies to gain your trust and get your money or personal information.
They can use the availability of grants, promises of cheaper energy, or offers of making your home more energy efficient as tactics to trick you. But there are many more ways they might try to scam you.
Scammers can contact you in many ways:
They might look legitimate, but sometimes that’s not the case. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you spot scams and know what to do you when you do.
The best way to spot an energy scam is to know what to look out for. Here are some things which may suggest a scammer is at work:
When it comes to the method of contact, think about:
These are all signs of a potential scam. Ofgem’s Take Five website has more tips on spotting and avoiding different kinds of scams.
If you think you’ve spotted a scam but haven’t yet given over any personal information or money, you can:
Reporting suspicious activities allows these organisations to investigate potential scams further.
If you’ve handed over any financial or personal information, or made a payment, talk to your bank or card company immediately. They can restrict or freeze your account to stop the scammers from doing anything else.
If you use mobile or online banking, you may be able to freeze your payment cards yourself via your bank’s app or website.
You should also report the scam to Action Fraud and Citizens Advice. They have information about the next steps you should take to protect yourself from further risks. You can also contact Police Scotland 101 if you live in Scotland.
By reporting scams, you can help reduce the chances of someone else getting defrauded.
Scammers may try to convince you to agree to work that won’t actually benefit your home.
Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) highlights potential energy efficiency improvements for your home, how much they’ll cost, and how much you could save.
Your EPC can be accessed online. As a result, people can find it and use it to try and scam you by suggesting work they know has been recommended to you. They might also suggest improvements that aren’t listed on your EPC.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, only accredited domestic energy assessors can produce valid EPCs. In Scotland, only organisations approved by the Scottish Government can produce valid EPCs.
Getting the right person to install energy efficiency improvements is important to ensure work is carried out safely and in line with any requirements.
We recommend getting at least three quotes for any work to give you an understanding of choice and ensure good value for money.
Make sure your chosen installer is fully qualified and, if possible, accredited with a relevant industry body and/or trade federation:
The UK Government website has a list of current competent person schemes for different trades. It’s also a good idea to ask installers about the warranties or guarantees they provide for the quality of their work or products.
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Last updated: 21 May 2026
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