9th April 2026
Rising fuel prices have led to an increase in scam calls and messages posing as energy suppliers.
Scammers may ask you to take urgent action to avoid having your energy supply disrupted or being charged a fee.
Some people have received fake British Gas emails saying their gas service will be cut off if they don't pay an outstanding bill, or that they are due a refund due to a recent overpayment.
The emails include a link to make a payment - this leads to a malicious website with fake British Gas branding which asks you to enter personal and banking details.
There have also been reports of cold callers who claim they are from Ofgem and suggest that you switch energy supplier in order to save money. In some cases, they say they are carrying out tariff checks on addresses that might be most affected by rising energy prices. They ask for personal and bank details in order to complete the switch.
How to Avoid
Don't click on links in unexpected emails. Scam messages often ask you to act urgently - be suspicious of unexpected messages which appear to be from an official organisation and say you must provide your details or a payment within a certain time frame.
If you receive a similar message and are unsure if it is legitimate, contact your energy supplier using details found on a utility bill or on their official website.
British Gas have information on their website about recognising genuine communications from them and avoiding phishing emails.
You can forward scam British Gas emails to phishing@britishgas.co.uk
Ofgem will never ask for your bank details in relation to energy bills. They will never cold call or visit your house and will never ask for your personal information or try to sell you energy.
If you receive a cold call supposedly from Ofgem, hang up and don't give the caller any personal details.
If you are unsure whether a call about your energy supply is genuine, hang up and contact your supplier using a number from a recent bill or their official website.
Find out more
British Gas information on avoiding scams: www.britishgas.co.uk/business/help-and-support/my-online-account/online-security
Advice from Ofgem on avoiding scams: www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/avoid-and-report-energy-scams
National Cyber Security Centre: www.ncsc.gov.uk/phishing-scams