Households are being warned to watch out for a resurgence of energy-efficiency scams as two major Government-backed schemes approach key deadlines. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is due to close on March 31, 2026, while the Energy Company Obligation programme (ECO4) has been extended until December 31, 2026. Experts say the combination of a looming deadline and an extension elsewhere has created the perfect conditions for fraudsters to target households with bogus offers of grants, free insulation or urgent energy upgrades.
Local authorities are already sounding the alarm. Rochford District Council has issued a warning urging residents to be cautious if they are contacted about energy grants, noting that scammers often exploit genuine Government initiatives to trick people into handing over personal details or cash. The council said it had not yet received reports locally but was acting proactively after similar scams were reported elsewhere.
Tech expert Mark Baars, of Unit4, said the timing was no accident. He warned that fraudsters closely follow Government announcements and media coverage around energy schemes, using the confusion to create convincing scams. “Whenever you have a scheme nearing its deadline and another being extended, you create urgency and confusion at the same time,” he said. “That combination is incredibly attractive to fraudsters.”
Mr Baars said one of the clearest warning signs is unsolicited contact, particularly unexpected calls, texts or doorstep visits claiming a household qualifies for a Government grant. He also warned about fake websites and phishing messages designed to harvest personal information. “Never click on a link in a text message claiming to be from a government energy grant,” he said. “Instead, type the GOV.UK address or your council website directly into your browser.”
He advised that the safest way to access support was to start the process yourself rather than responding to unexpected offers. “The safest route is to go directly to GOV.UK or your council website and check eligibility there. If you initiate contact, you remove much of the scammer’s leverage.” Anyone who believes they may have shared sensitive information should contact their bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud.
