How to Protect Yourself from Energy Scams. Tips to Keep You Safe from Fraudsters

Energy Scams: Tips to Keep You Safe from Fraudsters

A warning has been issued over rising energy-related scams. With people's budgets already stretched, the last thing they need is to be scammed out of their hard-earned cash. Even though it's possible to get this money refunded, it can have a serious impact on a person's wellbeing and financial stability.

Councils have reported a drastic increase in the frequency of energy bill scams. The nature of these kinds of fraud means that it doesn't have a hot spot in one area, as these scams can target all the households within the UK.

If you receive any calls related to your energy provider, do not give out any personal information, hang up immediately and call the provider back on their official number found online. You can also report these scam calls to your energy provider so they can prevent other people from becoming a victim. Stay safe and protect yourself from fraudsters!

Tips to avoid becoming a victim of an energy scam include:

- Never give out your personal or financial information to someone you don’t know;

- If someone comes to your door claiming to be from your energy company, ask for identification first. If they’re unable to provide identification, do not let them in;

- Be wary of any unsolicited offers for energy services or discounts;

- Research any company you’re considering doing business with before making a decision;

- Another scam that has been reported is people going door-to-door offering energy audits or selling energy-related products, such as solar panels. Again, do not give out any personal or financial information and never let anyone into your home without first verifying their identity. If you’re interested in an energy audit, contact your utility company directly to see if they offer those kinds of services.

If you think you’ve been a victim of an energy scam, report it to your local police department and your state’s attorney general. You should also contact your utility company and file an official complaint, alongside contacting your bank to start the process of getting your money back.

Council tax scam

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be associated with the council and offering a £150 energy rebate, do not give out your personal or financial information. This is a scam! The council would already have your details on their record. Hang up immediately and report the call to your energy provider. Don't let these scam artists take advantage of you! Stay safe and protect yourself by being aware of these scams.

Ofgem energy scams

Ofgem is warning consumers about scammers who are pretending to be from the energy regulator to get your personal bank details. These scammers will contact you and say that you need to switch energy providers, and then ask for your bank information. Do not fall for this scam!

Ofgem is a government body that regulates the gas and electricity markets in the UK, but they do not sell energy or provide services directly to consumers. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Ofgem, do not give out any personal information and hang up immediately. You can find more information about this scam, as well as how to report it, on Ofgem's website. Don't let these fraudsters take advantage of you - stay safe and be aware of these energy scams!

E.ON energy scam

Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, has reported that scammers have been sending fake emails to consumers impersonating E.ON employees. These emails claim that the recipient is owed an £85 refund due to an overcharge from the energy supplier, and provides a link to a fake website where the unsuspecting customer can give out their personal details. However, this website is actually designed to steal people's information.

E.ON is warning consumers about these scam emails, known as "phishing" scams. If you receive one of these emails, do not click on the link or input any of your personal information. You can find more information about this scam on the E.ON website, including examples of the scam email, so please be on the lookout. Stay safe and protect yourself from these energy scams by being aware of what to look for!

Where to report it?

There are many types of energy scams, but they all have one thing in common: the caller tries to trick or pressure you into paying for something you don’t need, or into giving them your personal or financial information. Scammers might claim that you’re behind on your energy bills and threaten to cut off your energy services if you don’t pay it immediately. They may also claim that you need to buy a new, more expensive energy plan, or that you can get a rebate or free energy-saving products if you sign up now. Some scammers even pose as utility employees by knocking on your door in-person in an attempt to scam you.

If you’re unsure whether a call or visitor is from a scammer, hang up or shut the door and call your energy provider directly using the customer service number on your bill. Don’t use the phone number the scammer provides, as it's most likely fake. Most importantly, never give out your personal information, including your account number, National Insurance Number or credit card information, unless you are certain you are dealing with a legitimate representative of your energy company. If someone comes to your home , ask to see their company ID badge. If they don’t have one, or if you’re still not sure, call your energy provider to verify that the person is an employee. Remember: You can always say no and hang up or shut the door if you feel pressured, uncomfortable or suspicious in any way.

If you think you’ve been scammed, report it to your local police department. If you are unsure what to do, contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0800 144 8848 for advice. And be sure to tell your energy provider about the scam, so they can warn other customers. By working together, we can all help stop energy scams. Energy scams are on the rise, but we can beat them if we're aware of what to look for and how to protect ourselves! Protect yourself from becoming a victim of an energy scam by following our tips!