Medium riskUtility & Energy Scams

Prepaid Meter Top-Up Scam

In this scam, fraudsters sell prepaid energy meter top-ups at a discount, often door to door or online, but the credit is illegitimate, so your supplier later reclaims it and you lose both the energy and your money.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Fraudulent top-up (energy)
Main red flag
Discounted prepaid meter top-ups from someone other than your official supplier.
What to do first
Top up only through your supplier's official channels; avoid 'cheap' top-ups.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, fraudsters sell prepaid energy meter top-ups at a discount, often door to door or online, but the credit is illegitimate, so your supplier later reclaims it and you lose both the energy and your money.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Get £50 of energy credit for £25! I can top up your prepaid meter cheaply,' using illegitimate credit.

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

  • Discounted top-ups from an unofficial source
  • A door-to-door or online seller of meter credit
  • Prices well below the real cost of energy
  • Pressure to buy quickly
  • A seller who is not your official supplier

What to do

  • Top up only through your supplier's official channels
  • Be aware discounted top-ups are illegitimate and reclaimed
  • Refuse cheap meter credit from third parties
  • Report sellers to your supplier and authorities

If you already clicked or replied

  • If your credit was reclaimed, contact your supplier about your account
  • Report the seller to your supplier and the authorities
  • Keep any evidence of the transaction
  • Top up legitimately going forward

What not to do

  • Do not buy discounted meter top-ups from third parties
  • Do not assume cheap credit is genuine
  • Do not let a bargain price tempt you

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Frequently asked questions

Why are cheap top-ups a scam?
The credit is illegitimately obtained, so your supplier reclaims it later. You lose the energy and the money you paid the seller.
How should I top up safely?
Use only your supplier's official channels, app, or authorised payment points, and refuse discounted credit from third parties.
My credit was reclaimed. What now?
Contact your supplier about your account, report the seller to your supplier and authorities, and top up legitimately.
Is a big discount on energy credit realistic?
No. Energy credit is not legitimately sold at a steep discount by third parties. A bargain top-up is a warning sign.

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.