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.

Are changes to our energy bills a scam?

Changes to our energy bills offer a prime opportunity for scammers to sow confusion – and this year is no different. In July, the government announced plans to scrap the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners not claiming means-tested benefits.

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.

Are energy scammers putting victims in danger?

As the cost-of-living crisis worsens, Which? has seen a significant increase in scammers impersonating energy firms to trick victims into handing over money or payment details. In some instances, victims could be put in serious physical danger by tactics that claim to save them money.

Are You facing a 'huge' jump in energy-related scams?

Read our privacy notice Households are facing a “huge” jump in energy-related scams as fraudsters exploit fear and confusion around soaring bills, figures show. Scams mentioning one of the ‘big six’ energy firms in the first quarter of this year were up 10% on the same period last year, figures from Action Fraud and reported by Which? show.

Why are people getting scam emails from Ofgem?

People have received scam emails pretending to be from Ofgem telling them they are due a payment under a new government scheme to help deal with price rises. Criminals are cashing in on the energy crisis by offering bogus rebates to try and trick victims into handing over bank account details.