As energy costs are soaring, scammers are already seizing their chances.  Which? the consumer champions are warning of an increase in scammers already trying to trick people into handing over money or payment details. Here are some of the methods they have used:

Fake refunds – an email sent posing as a major supplier and claiming the recipient was entitled to an £85 refund and urging them to click on a link and enter bank details. As with all emails, it is important to check the actual email address it originated from. If necessary, contact the supplier direct through contact details on their website.

Energy saving devices – a small plug-like device that it is claimed would save up to 90% off your energy bill.  They don’t. 

Some devices found for sale on popular on-line sites failed basic safety tests meaning they were at risk of causing fires or electric shocks. Always look for a CE/UKCA mark on a device to ensure it meets safety standards.

Debt collectors – where smaller energy companies have gone bust, scammers have sent emails demanding payment of outstanding balances.  If an energy supplier ceases trading, it will be swiftly taken over by an Ofgem-appointed successor firm which manages the account and is the point of contact for verifying any payment requests. Contact regarding outstanding balances or credit should be received within a few months – not three years later as in the case reported to Which?  

Green home improvement grants – over the years there have been a variety of government energy efficiency schemes. Fraudsters impersonate legitimate schemes via cold calls, door-stepping and online adverts.

Never sign up to anything on the strength of an unsolicited doorstep encounter or cold call; instead read online reviews or get recommendations from family and friends.  Or contact your local council to see what grants may be available to you or your tenants.

Pre-payment meter keys – scammers target households with prepayment meters offering cloned keys with, for example, £100 of credit and selling it door-to-door for £50. Eventually the energy supplier will realise the householder is not paying for their energy and will investigate. The householder will then find that they have to pay the energy supplier for the energy used – at full price.

Meter tampering – whilst not perpetrated by a scammer this is a dangerous activity which can result in explosions. An attempt is made at the theft of electricity and gas, often resulting in a crude, home-made and makeshift meter by-pass that risks the lives of the culprits, their household and neighbours.  As a Landlord it is important to stay vigilant as meter tampering has the potential to cause devastating effects to your property. Sadly this activity could increase as energy prices sky-rocket.

Energy theft also has a significant connection with illegal drugs and organised crime, and in particular cannabis cultivation. Properties can be severely altered resulting in serious structural issues as well as unsafe meter tampering.

If you suspect the meters in your property have been tampered with, do not put yourself in danger but report it immediately either to the energy supplier or the UKRPA www.ukrpa.co.uk

Alternatively you can report it anonymously via the Stay Energy Safe website, where you can also find further information on this dangerous practice. www.stayenergysafe.co.uk