Medium riskUtility & Energy Scams

Boiler Grant Scam

In this scam, calls, ads, or doorstep visits offer free boilers, insulation, or energy grants, then harvest your personal and bank details, charge bogus assessment fees, or push costly, unnecessary work.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Grant impersonation (energy)
Main red flag
An unsolicited 'free boiler' or energy grant offer needing your details or a fee.
What to do first
Check eligibility only through official government or supplier schemes.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, calls, ads, or doorstep visits offer free boilers, insulation, or energy grants, then harvest your personal and bank details, charge bogus assessment fees, or push costly, unnecessary work.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'You qualify for a free government boiler grant! Confirm your details and book your assessment today.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • An unsolicited free boiler, insulation, or grant offer
  • Requests for personal and bank details
  • An assessment or booking fee
  • Pressure to act before the grant 'closes'
  • A provider you cannot verify

What to do

  • Check eligibility through official government or supplier schemes
  • Verify any installer and grant independently
  • Never pay fees or share bank details to 'qualify'
  • Report bogus grant offers

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid, contact your bank or payment provider to dispute it
  • If you shared details, monitor for misuse
  • Verify any genuine scheme through official sources
  • Report the offer and keep evidence

What not to do

  • Do not share bank details to claim a grant
  • Do not pay assessment fees on unsolicited offers
  • Do not let 'grant closing' pressure rush you

Similar scams

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Solar Panel Scam

In this scam, solar panel or home energy sellers use door-to-door or online pitches with inflated savings claims, fake grants, and high pressure, taking deposits for systems that underperform or are never installed.
Medium risk Utility & Energy

Energy Supplier Switch Scam

In this scam, doorstep or phone sellers pose as energy 'switching' agents or your supplier, pressuring you to sign up to a fake or worse deal, or to hand over bank and account details.
High risk Government & Tax

Government Grant Scam

This scam uses a message, call, or social media post claiming you qualify for a free government grant, then asks for a processing fee or your bank details to 'release' money that does not actually exist.

Frequently asked questions

Are free boiler grants real?
Genuine energy-efficiency schemes exist, applied for through official government or supplier channels. Unsolicited offers needing details or fees are warning signs.
How do I check eligibility?
Use official government scheme websites or your supplier directly, and verify any installer independently before sharing details.
I paid or shared details. What now?
Dispute any payment with your bank, monitor for misuse, verify genuine schemes through official sources, and report the offer.
Why ask for my bank details for a grant?
Genuine grants do not need your bank details via an unsolicited call or visit. Such requests are used for fraud.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.