More than four-fifths (83%) of Brits have received a scam text, email or phone call so far this year, with 71% saying they are harder to spot due to AI. Research by Smart Energy GB found people received an average of 19 scam messages in that time.
Scammers target energy bill support
Scammers are exploiting concerns around energy bills, with 16% of people saying they have already received a scam message or call claiming they must take action to receive government help. Specific messages focused on the Winter Fuel Payment and Warm Home Discount.
Of those who responded, more than a third said they had lost money as a result. The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 discount on the electricity bills of eligible households.
How the discount works
Most eligible households receive the discount automatically, although some in Scotland may still need to apply through their energy supplier. Unexpected messages asking people to click a link, pay a fee or provide personal or bank details to claim the discount should therefore be treated with caution.
The study found scammers are also exploiting the names of other trusted organisations. Nearly a third said they had been targeted by someone claiming to represent a bank, financial institution or by someone posing as HMRC. A fifth said they had been targeted by someone impersonating an energy or utility company. Two-fifths of people think they have received more scam messages in 2026 than they did at this time last year.
Dom Littlewood's advice
Consumer champion Dom Littlewood has joined forces with Smart Energy GB to help households stay safe. Dom said: "Scams are getting more convincing every day, especially now AI can be used to create very realistic calls and messages.
"The best defence is to always pause before you reply. Don't click links, contact details or phone numbers included in a suspicious message.
"If you get a message about the Warm Home Discount, or anything else that demands urgency, go directly to GOV.UK or the organisation's official website to check out the information. If you are still uncertain, show the message to a family member, friend or neighbour as they may spot a warning sign you have missed."
For people with non-smart prepayment meters, the Warm Home Discount may be provided through a voucher that you'll need to redeem manually. If you have a smart prepay meter, support can be credited directly to the meter - which helps avoid the inconvenience of redeeming vouchers. "You can also top up your credit from the comfort of your home."
The scheme runs from the end of October to March and the discount may be applied at any time in this period.
Six steps to avoid scams this winter
- Pause and protect your information. If you receive an unexpected call or message, do not click links, download attachments, make a payment or share bank details, passwords, PINs or other personal information. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, so stop and check before taking any action.
- Check independently. Do not use the phone numbers, links or contact details in a suspicious message. Contact the organisation that has messaged you using its official details or website. For the Warm Home Discount, check GOV.UK. If you are still unsure, ask a friend, neighbour or family member to check the message with you.
- Do not trust appearances alone. AI can help scammers create convincing calls, messages and websites with professional branding and language. Treat unexpected requests for money or information with caution, even when they appear genuine.
- Understand how energy support schemes work. Most eligible households receive the Warm Home Discount automatically, although some people in Scotland still need to apply through their supplier. If an unexpected message asks you to pay a fee, click a link or share personal information, check GOV.UK or your supplier's official website instead.
- Upgrade your prepay meter to a smart meter. Not only will a smart prepay meter ensure you receive support such as the Warm Home Discount automatically, removing any concerns you may have about missing a voucher, it provides other benefits such as the ability to top up from the comfort of your home.
- If you receive a scam message, report it. On most phone networks, you can forward any scam texts you receive to 7726 (this spells SPAM on your keypad) for free and can help prevent fraud in the future. If you think you have been scammed or lost money, contact your bank immediately. People in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can report fraud through Report Fraud, while people in Scotland should contact Police Scotland on 101.
