Medium riskUtility & Energy Scams

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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
High-pressure sales / impersonation (energy)
Main red flag
A doorstep or phone 'energy switch' pushing you to sign or share details now.
What to do first
Do not sign on the spot; switch only through verified comparison or supplier channels.

What this scam usually looks like

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.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'We can switch you to a cheaper energy deal today, just sign here and confirm your bank details.'

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

  • A doorstep or phone seller pushing an energy switch
  • Pressure to sign or share bank details immediately
  • Claims to be 'from your supplier' or a switching service
  • A deal you cannot verify in writing
  • Reluctance to let you check independently

What to do

  • Switch only through verified comparison services or your supplier directly
  • Never sign or share bank details under doorstep or phone pressure
  • Verify any deal in writing and check reviews
  • Report aggressive or impersonating sellers

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you signed, check cancellation or cooling-off rights and act quickly
  • If you shared bank details, contact your bank
  • Verify your actual supplier and tariff
  • Report the seller to your energy regulator

What not to do

  • Do not sign energy deals on the doorstep or phone under pressure
  • Do not share bank details to 'switch'
  • Do not trust unverifiable 'cheaper' claims

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Frequently asked questions

How do I switch energy safely?
Use verified comparison services or contact suppliers directly, get any deal in writing, and never sign or share bank details under doorstep or phone pressure.
They said they're from my supplier. Real?
Verify by contacting your supplier on a number from a genuine bill. Doorstep and phone sellers claiming to be your supplier may be impersonators.
I signed up under pressure. Can I cancel?
Check your cancellation or cooling-off rights and act quickly, contact your bank if you shared details, and report the seller to your energy regulator.
How do I check my real tariff?
Log in to your supplier's official account or call the number on a genuine bill, not details from a seller.

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.