Is a call from my energy supplier offering a free smart meter upgrade legitimate?
Smart meter rollouts are genuine government-backed programmes, but scammers impersonate energy companies in this context to gain access to homes or collect bank details.
Last reviewed: 1 August 2026
Explanation
Smart meter installation fraud exploits the genuine rollout of smart meters by energy suppliers. Scammers call customers pretending to be their energy company, offer a free installation, and during the conversation request direct debit details to 'update' the account. Some callers also attempt to arrange a home visit during which they steal from the property or install camera devices. Real smart meter appointments are booked through official letters or via your energy supplier's app and website — a genuine engineer requires no financial details during an installation. If you receive an unsolicited call about a smart meter, hang up and call your supplier using the number on your bill to arrange an appointment through official channels.
The home visit element makes this scam worth taking more seriously than a typical phone approach. An appointment booked through a fraudulent call places a stranger inside your home with a plausible reason to access multiple rooms, and elderly householders are disproportionately targeted for exactly that reason. The protective habits are simple and worth sharing with relatives who live alone: an installation you did not book through your own supplier does not happen, ID is checked through the supplier's phone line before the door opens rather than by looking at the badge, and no engineer visit of any kind involves discussing bank details on the doorstep.
Common red flags
- Caller requests bank or direct debit details during a smart meter call
- Call is unsolicited and you did not enquire about a smart meter recently
- Caller pressures you to agree to an installation date immediately
- Person arriving for the installation does not carry verifiable company ID
- Caller ID shows your energy supplier but the number feels unfamiliar
What to do now
- Hang up and call your supplier directly to confirm any smart meter offer
- Never give financial details over an inbound call about smart meters
- Ask engineers for company ID before allowing access to your home
- Report suspicious calls to your energy supplier and national fraud service
Frequently asked questions
Are smart meters genuinely free?
In the UK and several other countries, smart meter installation is provided at no direct charge to customers as part of a national rollout programme. You should never be asked to pay for the meter or installation.
How should I verify an engineer who arrives at my door?
Keep the door closed, call your supplier on the number from your bill, and ask them to confirm the visit and the engineer's identity. A genuine engineer expects this and will wait.