What's going on
Energy company scam calls have been getting worse in the UK for years, and they spike every time bills go up. The set up is always the same. Someone rings pretending to be from your energy supplier or from Ofgem, the energy regulator. They tell you there's a problem with your account, that you're owed a refund, or that your smart meter needs replacing urgently. What they really want is your bank details, your personal data, or both.
These calls work because everyone has an energy supplier and most people have had a billing problem at some point. When someone rings up saying your direct debit hasn't gone through or your tariff is about to jump, the instinct is to sort it out. That's exactly what these callers are counting on. Criminals have used the price cap changes over the last few years as cover for a wave of fraud. Crimestoppers received over 12,000 reports of energy crime in the 12 months to April 2023, up from around 8,000 the year before (Crimestoppers / Stay Energy Safe). Meanwhile, Ofgem estimates that energy theft and fraud adds between £29 and £48 to every household's annual bill.
How these calls work
Energy scam calls come in a few different forms. Some are live callers working from a script. Others are automated messages or texts with links. Here are the ones doing the rounds right now.
1. The fake tariff switching call
Someone rings claiming to be from your energy supplier. They say your current tariff is ending and your bills are about to go up unless you switch to a new deal right now. They ask for your account number, a meter reading, and your bank details to set up a new direct debit. The deal does not exist. Your money goes straight to the fraudster.
What to watch for
A real energy company will write to you before your tariff ends. Ofgem rules say suppliers must give you at least 42 days' notice. Nobody legitimate is going to ring you cold and demand bank details to sort it out on the spot.
2. The smart meter call
A caller says they're from your supplier or from the National Grid. They tell you your meter is faulty, sending incorrect readings, or due for a mandatory replacement. They want to book an engineer visit and ask for a "security deposit" or payment card details to confirm the appointment. Real smart meter installations are arranged through your supplier, booked in advance, and do not cost anything upfront.
Why this is a problem
Some of these calls lead to fake engineers turning up at your door. Once inside your property, they can steal valuables, fit rigged meters, or take your cash and disappear. The National Grid does not contact individual households about smart meters. Your supplier handles that (Energy UK).
3. The energy rebate text
A text arrives claiming to be from Ofgem or from the government. It says you're entitled to an energy rebate or support payment and asks you to tap a link to claim it. The link takes you to a website that looks official but exists only to collect your bank details and personal data. Action Fraud logged 752 reports of these messages in a single four day window during one campaign alone (Action Fraud).
What to watch for
Government energy support payments are applied automatically through your supplier. You do not need to apply for them, and you will never be asked to click a link or enter your bank details to receive one.
4. The door to door follow up
After you've had a scam call, a "representative" may turn up at your front door claiming to be from the energy company that rang you. They might carry fake ID and wear branded clothing. They'll ask to check your meter or inspect your boiler. This is a way into your home, and it can lead to theft, overpriced work, or fitted devices that mess with your supply. Your energy supplier will always write to you before sending someone round. You can ring the number on your bill to check whether a visit has been booked before you open the door.
What these calls sound like
If you've had one of these calls, you'll know the script. Here are the most common lines these callers use and why they don't add up.
"We're calling from [your supplier] about your current energy tariff. Your fixed deal ends next week and your monthly payments will increase unless we switch you today."
They name your actual supplier to sound credible. But Ofgem rules require suppliers to give at least 42 days' written notice before your tariff ends. No real supplier is going to ring you with a week's notice and ask for bank details over the phone.
"This is the National Grid. We've detected a fault with your smart meter and we need to send an engineer. We just need your account details to book the visit."
The National Grid manages the transmission network across the country. It does not contact individual households about smart meters. That is your energy supplier's job. If someone rings saying they're from the National Grid about your home meter, it's not real.
"You're entitled to a £400 energy bill rebate from the government. Please confirm your bank details so we can process the payment."
Government energy support payments are applied through your supplier automatically. Nobody from Ofgem or any government department will ring you or text you asking for bank details to send a rebate. If you get this call, it's a fraud.
"We can see your energy bills are higher than they need to be. We're an approved comparison service and we can save you up to 30% if you switch today."
Some of these are legal but pushy sales calls from real comparison sites. Others are outright fraud. If you didn't ask for the call, be cautious. A legitimate comparison service will let you think it over and won't ask for card details on the spot.
How to tell a real energy company call from a fake
Your energy supplier may ring you from time to time, so not every call is a scam. Here's how to tell the difference.
A real supplier will
- • Already know your account number (they won't ask for it)
- • Suggest you ring back on the number printed on your bill
- • Give you time to think before making any changes
- • Send confirmation of any changes in writing
- • Never ask for your full bank card details over the phone
A scam caller will
- • Ask you for your account number or customer reference
- • Not want you to hang up and call back yourself
- • Create urgency with tight deadlines or threats
- • Ask for bank or card details to "set up a new payment"
- • Refuse to give a reference number or put anything in writing
What to do when you get one of these calls
Hang up and ring your supplier yourself
If someone calls about your energy account, tell them you'll ring back. Then find the number on your bill, your supplier's app, or their official website. Never use a number the caller gives you. If the call was genuine, your supplier will have a record of it when you ring them.
Note the number
Write down the phone number, the date and time, and what the caller said. If you get more calls, keep a log. This is what the ICO and Action Fraud need when you report it. Look the number up on CallerCheck to see if other people have had the same call.
Block the number
Block it on your phone so the same number can't get through again. Bear in mind that these operations rotate numbers, so you may need to block more than one. Both iPhone and Android let you do this from your recent calls list.
Our full call blocking guideReport the call
If you've lost money or shared personal details, report it to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040). For nuisance marketing calls, report to the ICO through their website. Report the number on CallerCheck so other people can see who's behind it.
Forward scam texts to 7726
If the scam came by text, forward it to 7726 (spells SPAM on a phone keypad). This is free on all UK networks and tells your mobile provider to investigate the sender and block the number for other customers.
Tell your real energy supplier
Let your supplier know that someone is using their name to run scam calls. They may be able to put a note on your account and they can pass the information to their fraud team. Most of the big suppliers, including British Gas, Octopus, EDF, and E.ON, have fraud reporting pages on their websites.
The law on energy scam calls
Several laws and regulators cover energy scam calls. Here is where things stand.
PECR: no marketing calls without consent
The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 make it illegal to send unsolicited marketing calls to people on the TPS register, or to make automated calls or send texts without your specific prior consent. The ICO can fine companies up to £500,000 for breaking these rules.
Ofgem licence conditions
All licensed energy suppliers must follow Ofgem's Standards of Conduct, which include treating customers fairly and acting in their interests. Suppliers are expected to protect customers from fraud committed in their name and to report suspicious activity. Ofgem runs public campaigns to warn about energy scams, particularly around price cap changes (Ofgem).
UK GDPR: your data rights
If a scammer got your details from a data breach or a sold lead list, that is a breach of UK GDPR. You have the right to ask any company what data they hold about you, where it came from, and to have it deleted. If the breach caused you distress or financial loss, you may be entitled to compensation (UK GDPR, Article 82).
Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
These regulations make it a criminal offence to use misleading or aggressive sales practices. Pretending to be a real energy supplier to trick someone into handing over money or personal details falls squarely within this. Trading Standards can investigate and prosecute.
Reporting tip: If someone turns up at your door claiming to be from an energy company and you believe they are not genuine, call the police on 101. If you feel threatened or unsafe, call 999. You can also report doorstep fraud to Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my energy supplier ever cold call me?
Are the fake Ofgem rebate texts still going around?
Someone from my energy company came to the door without an appointment. Should I let them in?
I gave my bank details to a scam caller. What should I do?
How do energy scammers know who my supplier is?
Quick Summary
If You Get the Call
- • Hang up and ring your supplier yourself
- • Never give bank details over the phone
- • Use the number on your bill, not the caller's
- • Note the number, date, and time
- • Look up the number on CallerCheck
Where to Report
- • Scam calls: Action Fraud (0300 123 2040)
- • Marketing calls: ICO
- • Scam texts: forward to 7726
- • Supplier impersonation: your energy company
- • Doorstep callers: police (101)