Medium riskOnline Shopping Scams

Energy-Saving Device Scam

In this scam, a cheap plug-in 'energy saving' or 'power saver' device is advertised with claims it slashes electricity bills, but it does nothing useful and may be unsafe, taking your money and card details.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Fake product (bogus claims)
Main red flag
A cheap plug-in device claiming to dramatically cut your energy bills.
What to do first
Be sceptical of bold savings claims; such devices do not work as advertised.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a cheap plug-in 'energy saving' or 'power saver' device is advertised with claims it slashes electricity bills, but it does nothing useful and may be unsafe, taking your money and card details.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Cut your electricity bill by 50% with this plug-in power saver! Limited stock, order now.'

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

  • Claims of dramatic energy bill cuts from a plug-in device
  • Pressure citing limited stock
  • An unverifiable seller and no real evidence
  • Social media ads driving urgency
  • Card details requested on an unverified site

What to do

  • Be sceptical of bold energy-saving claims
  • Research independent reviews and evidence
  • Buy from reputable retailers and pay by a disputable method
  • Report misleading products and ads

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid, contact your bank to watch for or block charges
  • Do not use a device that seems unsafe
  • Keep the ad and order as evidence
  • Report the seller and ad to the platform

What not to do

  • Do not trust dramatic energy-saving claims
  • Do not buy from unverifiable sellers
  • Do not use potentially unsafe devices

Similar scams

Medium risk Online Shopping

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.
High risk Online Shopping

Fake Online Store Scam

This scam sets up a convincing but fake store with very low prices, takes payment, and delivers nothing, a counterfeit, or a cheap substitute.
Medium risk Online Shopping

Social Media Shopping Ad Scam

This scam uses eye-catching, heavily discounted product ads in social media feeds to lure you to fake or dishonest online stores that take your payment and deliver nothing, or send a cheap counterfeit instead.

Frequently asked questions

Do plug-in energy savers work?
Devices claiming to slash your bills by simply plugging in do not work as advertised, and some are unsafe. Treat such claims as a scam.
How can I genuinely save energy?
Through reputable efficiency measures and verified products, not cheap plug-in 'savers' sold with bold claims and urgency.
I bought one. What now?
Contact your bank if you want to dispute the charge, avoid using an unsafe device, keep your evidence, and report the seller and ad.
Why are these heavily advertised?
Rising energy costs make savings claims appealing, which scammers exploit with cheap, useless devices and urgent ads.

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.