How do I report a utility or energy scam?
Report to the FTC (US), your state public utilities commission, or Ofgem (UK). Also report to the supplier being impersonated and to Action Fraud if money was lost.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Utility scams take several forms: door-to-door salespeople who sign consumers up to energy contracts using deceptive tactics, callers claiming unpaid bills will lead to immediate disconnection unless payment is made now, and fake rebate offers requiring payment to unlock a discount. They frequently impersonate real energy suppliers.
In the US, your state public utilities commission (PUC) regulates energy suppliers and door-to-door sales tactics. File a complaint at your state PUC's website. The FTC handles deceptive marketing practices more broadly. If the scammer impersonated a specific utility, notify that utility's fraud team directly — most major utilities have a dedicated line.
In the UK, Ofgem regulates gas and electricity suppliers. Report energy mis-selling to Ofgem at ofgem.gov.uk. Citizen's Advice also takes energy complaints and escalates to the relevant Ombudsman. For criminal fraud, such as threats of disconnection or false billing, report to Action Fraud.
Never make a payment over the phone to someone who calls you claiming to be from a utility. Call the number on your official bill to verify before paying anything. Real utilities issue written notices before disconnection, not urgent phone demands.
Common red flags
- A caller threatened immediate disconnection unless payment was made by card over the phone
- A door-to-door salesperson pressured you to switch suppliers and sign documents on the spot
- A text or email offered a large rebate or compensation from your energy supplier
- The caller knew your account number but could not answer security questions you set
- You were asked to pay by gift card or prepaid card to restore service
- A smart meter installation visit asked for access that real engineers do not require
What to do now
- Do not pay over the phone — call the number on your official bill to verify
- Report to your state PUC (US) or Ofgem (UK)
- Report to the FTC or Action Fraud
- Notify the energy supplier being impersonated
- Contact your bank if payment was made
- See /scams/utility-energy-scams for known tactics
Frequently asked questions
Can a utility company disconnect me without written notice?
In the US and UK, regulated utilities must provide multiple written notices and a minimum notice period before disconnecting service. An unexpected phone call demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection is almost always a scam.
What if I signed a door-to-door energy contract under pressure?
In the EU and UK, you have a 14-day cooling-off period for contracts sold away from business premises. In the US, the FTC's Cooling Off Rule gives you three days for many door-to-door sales. Contact the company in writing to cancel.