Beware energy scams as the price cap changes

Households are being urged to watch out for scams when the energy price cap changes on Thursday, as fraudsters often use news about bills to trick people into handing over money or personal details.

The price cap will rise by 4 per cent on 1 October, taking a typical dual fuel bill to 1,723 pounds a year. Changes like this are often followed by a wave of fake texts, emails and phone calls claiming to offer refunds, rebates or help with bills.

Common tricks

Scammers may pretend to be from an energy supplier, Ofgem, the Government or the council. Messages often claim that the recipient is owed a refund or discount, or that they must act quickly to avoid being cut off. They usually include a link to a fake website that asks for bank details.

Others offer home improvements such as insulation, solar panels or new boilers, sometimes claiming to be part of a Government scheme, and ask for money upfront.

How to spot a scam

Ofgem does not contact households directly about refunds or offer grants by text. Genuine suppliers will not ask for full bank details or passwords by text or email, and will not pressure you to act immediately.

If a message says you need to act urgently, stop and check. Contact your energy supplier using the number on your bill or its official website, not the details in the message.

What to do

Suspicious text messages can be forwarded free of charge to 7726. Scam emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk. Anyone who has lost money should contact their bank immediately and report it to the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service online or on 0300 123 2040.

Real help with bills

Genuine help is available. Households struggling to pay can contact their supplier to agree a payment plan. Many suppliers have hardship funds, and the Warm Home Discount gives eligible households 150 pounds off their electricity bill over the winter. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice.