Beware Energy Supply Switching Scammers warns Ofgem

With Ofgem encouraging customers to switch energy supplier in order to get better deals, it was only a matter of time before scammers sought to take advantage.

Ofgem is currently working with energy suppliers to trial new methods to encourage households to switch supplier, and one of the proposed plans involves energy firms contacting customers on Ofgem’s behalf.

The regulator is warning that scammers may pray on unsuspecting customers in attempts to get hold of bank details and other sensitive data. Ofgem said that it will never contact customers over the phone but suggested that scammers may cold call or send phishing emails pretending to be the watchdog.

The scammers will try to convince their target to switch energy supplier and once the victim agrees they will then ask for their bank details. Scammers could also pose as door-to-door salesmen or send fraudulent emails.

“It would be very odd for an energy supplier or switching service to cold call and ask for your bank details, and Ofgem have said they never call households individually. The safest way to compare energy prices and switch to a better deal is to use a site you trust or call their customer service number. If you receive a call you weren’t expecting and the caller asks for your personal information or bank details, you can be pretty sure it’s a scam. Don’t give them what they’ve asked for – instead, hang up the phone and if you have any details of where the call came from, report it to an organisation like Action Fraud,” said Rik Smith, an energy expert from uSwitch.

·Never give out your bank details – Ofgem won’t ask you for such details or other private information. If someone asks for such details put the phone down or if the request has come in via an email, delete it.

·Ofgem will never call you personally, anyone claiming to be from the watchdog is a fake.

·Online scammers are notorious for being able to create convincing fake emails. Pay close attention to the details. Are there spelling mistakes or does the branding look off?

·If someone calls you or comes to your doorstep always ask for identification.

·If you’re not sure about who is contacting you, give Citizens Advice a call or get in touch online. They can help ascertain whether the contact is legitimate or not.

·Any emails to or from Ofgem will always end @ofgem.gov.uk for example consumeraffairs@ofgem.gov.uk. When receiving any emails that look like they could be from Ofgem, check the full address first.

·As many phishing emails are sent from overseas, they often contain spelling mistakes, poor punctuation and grammar. Sometimes a scammer will deliberately include these to see if you will respond regardless. If you do, then you will be marked as an easy target for future scams.

·Sometimes a phishing email will claim to be from an organisation and use logos to appear more professional. Is the design quality what you would expect from the sender? Check the email headers or flag into your internal IT department. Phishing emails can easily spoof email addresses to make them seem legitimate.

·If an email is not addressed to you by name, then it could be a sign that the sender doesn’t know you and is simply hoping to get lucky. If it is addressed to you directly but looks suspicious, then you may be the target of a Spear Phishing campaign.

·You should instantly be suspicious of any emails making demands or threats. Never give out your details.

·Be aware of emails that may come from someone high up in your organisation requesting the transfer or payment of funds to a specific bank account. If being responsible for handling money isn’t your job, then report it immediately.

·Does the email appear legitimate or is it trying to mimic someone you know? A hacker can ascertain your connections via social media profiles so make sure to check your privacy settings.

If something appears too good to be true, then it most likely is. If someone claims to be offering you money or a prize over the internet then run for the hills, chances are they are a scammer. Remember; there is no such thing as a free lunch.