What are energy scams?

Energy scams involve people pretending to be energy companies or regulators to get your money or personal information. These scammers may pretend to be your energy company, say they’re from Ofgem or even from Energy Saving Trust to try and gain your trust.

Can a scammer sell your energy?

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. They will also never sell you energy or show up at your house.

What is a solar energy scam?

The scams vary, but here’s the gist: someone claiming to be with the government or your utility company promises big savings on your utility bills from solar energy or other home improvements designed to increase energy efficiency. If you agree to the scammer’s offer, it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

How do I report an energy scam?

They might try to contact you by: text message. These are energy scams. Ofgem would never sell you energy, ask for personal information or come to your property. Report the scam to Action Fraud, the reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101.

Are energy-related scams putting victims in serious physical danger?

In some instances, victims could be put in serious physical danger by tactics that claim to save them money. Putting a number on the rise in energy-related scams isn’t easy, as police fraud reporting unit Action Fraud doesn’t group energy-related frauds together.

What are some phishing scams involving the government's £15bn energy help package?

Other phishing scams in circulation relate to the government’s £15bn energy help package. Earlier this month, Ofgem wrote to all energy suppliers urging them to warn customers about bogus texts and WhatsApp messages purporting to be from the energy regulator.