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Fraud experts issue energy scam warnings as household bills rise again

Fraud experts issue energy scam warnings as household bills rise again

As the energy price cap rises, families are being warned to look out for fake rebates, smart meter scams and doorstep callers.

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Ruairidh Pritchard

Published: October 1, 2026 at 5:10 PM

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Energy bills are rising again from today, 1 October, and alongside the extra pressure on household budgets comes another concern: scammers trying to take advantage of families looking to save money.

According to Ofgem figures supplied in a press release from Wealth Recovery Solicitors, the energy price cap is rising by 4%, taking the typical annual dual-fuel bill from £1,663 to £1,723, an increase of around £5 a month. The actual amount you pay will still depend on how much energy your household uses.

Nic Roe, a solicitor at Wealth Recovery Solicitors who works with victims of fraud, says families should be particularly wary of messages promising refunds or discounts, unexpected calls about smart meters and people arriving at the door claiming to represent an energy company.

1. Fake Ofgem rebate messages

A text or email telling you that you're due money back from Ofgem might sound particularly tempting when bills are going up, but Roe warns that scammers can copy official branding to make messages look convincing.

“These emails will often use the Ofgem logo and branding, and claim to offer a rebate on their energy bill, with a link at the bottom to a fake website. Here, individuals are urged to share their payment details in order to process their refund.

Ofgem will never ask for your bank details by text or email this way, and Ofgem does not hand out rebates directly to consumers.

If you receive an email or text like this, don't click any links. Ofgem advises that you forward any suspected scams to report@phishing.gov.uk.”

The safest approach is to avoid following links in unexpected messages and instead visit Ofgem or your energy supplier's official website independently.

2. Warm Home Discount scams

The Warm Home Discount provides eligible households with money off their electricity bill, making it another scheme scammers may try to imitate.

Roe says families should be suspicious of unsolicited messages telling them they are eligible for a payment and then asking them to follow a link.

These messages typically claim that they are eligible for a refund, and like with other Ofgem scams, ask them to click on a link to an imitation website where the scammers can then capture their banking details.

Nic Roe, solicitor at Wealth Recovery Solicitors

If you receive a message about the Warm Home Discount, don't hand over bank details through an unexpected link. Check the current eligibility rules and process directly through GOV.UK or contact your energy supplier using its official contact details.

3. Smart meter scams

An unexpected caller might also claim you need to pay for a smart meter installation, replacement or urgent work.

“Smart meters are free to install, so if someone requests an upfront fee or any personal details as part of the installation, this is a surefire sign you’re dealing with a scammer,” says Roe.

He adds that scammers may tell households their existing meter urgently needs replacing or reprogramming, sometimes threatening that their energy will be disconnected unless they pay.

If you're unsure whether a call is genuine, hang up and contact your supplier yourself using the phone number on your bill or its official website.

4. Unexpected doorstep energy 'representatives'

Finally, be cautious if someone unexpectedly arrives at your home offering discounted energy rates, insulation, boiler replacements or free energy-efficiency checks.

Roe advises: “Always ask for identification, and if in doubt, ask them to leave and verify their identity independently by contacting the company or scheme they claim to represent. Never feel pressured to make a decision or hand over payment or bank details on the spot.”

What to do if something doesn't feel right

A convincing logo, urgent deadline or promise of much-needed money back doesn't necessarily mean a message is genuine.

Don't click links in unexpected texts or emails about rebates or discounts.
Don't give bank or payment details to an unexpected caller.
Contact your energy supplier through the details on your bill or its official website if you're unsure.
Check government support schemes through GOV.UK rather than links sent in unsolicited messages.
Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.

With household bills rising, taking a few extra minutes to verify who you're dealing with could help keep both your money and personal information safe.

About the expert

Nic Roe is a solicitor at Wealth Recovery Solicitors, a UK law firm specialising in fraud recovery. He works with people who have lost money to scams, helping victims pursue legal routes to recover their funds.

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Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.