Smart Meter Scams at the Doorstep
How scammers pose as smart meter installation engineers to gain entry to homes, charge for unnecessary or non-existent work, or steal from properties.
Part of: Smart Meter Scams
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
Smart meter rollout programmes give scammers a ready-made cover story for doorstep approaches. A caller arrives claiming to be from the household's energy supplier or a national smart meter scheme, saying the household's meter needs to be upgraded or inspected. The combination of a genuinely ongoing national rollout and the official-seeming equipment and clothing of the caller makes the approach credible.
The consequences range from fraud — charging for non-existent work — to theft and distraction crime, where a second person enters the property while the occupant's attention is held by the first. Some scammers also collect personal data by asking to see energy bills during the 'inspection'.
How this scam works on doorstep
An unsolicited caller arrives at the door wearing a high-visibility vest or carrying official-looking identification, claiming to be there for a mandatory smart meter upgrade or inspection. They may know the occupant's name and address from public records or a data breach. The 'installation' involves minimal work or simply an inspection, after which a fee is charged — citing a government scheme where no real fee applies.
In more serious cases, the occupant is occupied in one room while the caller's accomplice enters and removes valuables. Data-collection variants ask to see bills to 'verify the account', collecting banking and account details that are later used fraudulently.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited caller arrives without a pre-arranged appointment for meter work
- Caller cannot provide verifiable identification that you can independently confirm with your supplier
- A fee is charged for smart meter installation or inspection — genuine rollout installations are free
- Caller insists on entering the property immediately rather than allowing you to verify their identity first
- Caller asks to see energy bills beyond what is needed for meter identification
How to protect yourself
- Request identification from any caller claiming to be from your energy supplier and verify it by calling your supplier on the number on your bill
- All genuine smart meter installations are pre-arranged by appointment and are free of charge
- Use the 'password scheme' if your supplier offers one — they call you by a pre-agreed name before calling or visiting
- Never let an unverified caller into your home
- If you feel unsafe, do not open the door — call your supplier or the non-emergency police line
How to report it
- Report to your energy supplier's customer service team
- Report to local police if a theft or distraction crime occurred
- Report to Action Fraud (UK) at actionfraud.police.uk
Frequently asked questions
Is there a charge for smart meter installation?
No. Smart meter installations under the national rollout are provided free of charge by your supplier. Any caller asking for payment for a smart meter installation is not from your genuine supplier.