What this guide covers
This guide explains how energy-related scams operate in the UK and how to recognise them. It is educational information for consumer safety purposes.
Utility Matchmaker is an information and referral service. Comparison and switching on this site take place on TheEnergyShop's platform.
Why energy scams are a persistent problem
Rising energy bills and regular price cap changes create conditions where scammers thrive. Periods of confusion, such as cap rises or support scheme announcements, provide cover stories for fraud attempts.
Understanding how these scams work is one of the strongest protections against them.
The most common types of energy scam
Common scam patterns include fake regulator contacts, doorstep fraud, cold calling with false exclusive deals, fake comparison websites, support scheme fraud, and smart meter impersonation attempts.
Any unsolicited request for account or bank details should be treated with caution and verified independently.
How to verify a legitimate energy switch
A legitimate switch is normally initiated by you through a comparison service or direct supplier contact.
You should receive written confirmation of rates, term length, exit fees, and cooling-off rights, and you should have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period.
If you did not initiate a switch and your supplier changes without consent, contact the receiving supplier immediately and report an unauthorised transfer.
What to do if you think you have been scammed
If you believe you shared personal or bank details with a scammer, contact your bank immediately.
Report the incident to Action Fraud and report suspicious cyber activity to the National Cyber Security Centre.
If an unauthorised switch occurred, contact the supplier and raise it as an unauthorised transfer. You can also seek guidance from Citizens Advice.