Is a doorstep energy supplier salesperson a scam?

Legitimate energy suppliers do employ door-to-door salespeople, but this channel also attracts fraudsters. 'Slamming' involves a salesperson switching your energy account without your proper consent, often by misrepresenting what you are agreeing to. In more extreme cases, fraudsters impersonate real energy companies to collect direct debit details. You are never obliged to agree to anything on the doorstep. Ask to see official ID, take the company's name, and verify independently before making any decisions. In many countries you have a 14-day cooling-off period to reverse a switch made at the door.

The doorstep setting is chosen because it strips away your usual verification tools. There is no email header to inspect, no domain to check, and a personable human standing on your step creates social pressure that a text message never could. Tactics lean on that: a tablet turned toward you with figures already filled in, claims that neighbours have signed up, or a request to 'just see a recent bill' — which, handed over, gives away your account details and current supplier in one move. Treat your bill like a bank statement; no legitimate salesperson needs to hold it.

A simple script keeps control of the interaction: take the leaflet, take the salesperson's name and company, close the door, and verify at your own pace. Any offer that cannot survive overnight was not an offer worth having. If paperwork later shows a switch you never knowingly agreed to, act quickly — contact both suppliers, use the cooling-off period, and put your complaint in writing so the timeline is documented.