Scam library · United Kingdom · Updated 20 October 2026
Energy rebate text scams: what they say, how to spot it, what to do
Promises of help with energy bills deserve a careful check. Find the scheme or supplier through a trusted route before sharing banking details.
What they say
Illustrative examples, written in our own words:
- A household energy rebate is waiting, but applications close today.
- Confirm your card details to receive the government payment.
- Your energy account is overdue and disconnection starts unless you pay this link.
- A small processing charge will unlock the support payment.
How to spot it
- A message asks you to pay money to receive a supposed support payment.
- The scheme name and deadline cannot be matched to current GOV.UK or supplier information.
- The sender shifts from a rebate to a request for passwords, banking codes or remote access.
What to do now
- Check current help with energy bills on GOV.UK. Do not assume that an old scheme is still open.
- Open your energy account yourself or use the supplier number on a bill to check payment and support claims.
- Do not approve a bank notification or give a caller a security code to release a rebate. Keep the message for reporting.
If you already paid or shared details
Call your bank immediately on the number on your card, using a trusted device. After hanging up, 159 can connect you to participating UK banks; coverage and call charges depend on your provider. Explain what you sent or shared and ask about stopping payments and securing the account.
Tell your supplier through its real contact route if the sender used your account information or changed payment instructions. Give your bank the details of any supposed processing charge as well as any larger transfer.
Under Payment Systems Regulator rules, UK banks and payment firms must refund most eligible authorised push payment (APP) scam losses from UK Faster Payments transfers made on or after 7 October 2024, up to £85,000 per claim. This means you were tricked into authorising a transfer. Eligibility and exceptions apply. Cards, cash, international transfers and crypto payments are not automatically covered by this rule. Report promptly and ask the bank to explain its assessment, any excess and the relevant deadlines.
Keep messages and payment references. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud). In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Forward suspicious SMS texts to 7726 and emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, following GOV.UK reporting guidance. For message apps, use the app’s report and block tools. Reporting a message does not replace contacting your bank about a payment.
Questions people ask
Does this page confirm that an energy rebate is available?
No. Check current schemes on GOV.UK and support through your supplier. Do not rely on a text’s scheme name or deadline.
How can I check a disconnection threat?
Use the supplier’s contact details from a bill or your normal account, independently of the message.