£5,000 a week lost to energy scammers in Scotland, warns watchdog

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Raising the alarm on scammers who raked in £276,731 between April 2025 and April 2026 posing as energy companies, councils or government-backed schemes to improve energy efficiency in the home, the consumer watchdog warned the true figure could be even higher.

The TSS figures come after recent polling suggested 48 per cent of people in Scotland were worried about being able to pay energy bills this winter, while a third had been approached with offers of cheap or free energy-saving products in the past year.

TSS governance board chair, Cllr Maureen Chalmers said: “It is deeply concerning that Scots are losing more than £5,000 a week to energy scams, and we know the true figure is likely to be much higher because many cases go unreported.”

She warned: “They will claim to be working with councils or government, offer supposedly free inspections or grants, and use scare tactics to convince people that urgent work is needed.

“We urge people not to deal with cold callers and never to feel pressured into making a decision on the spot.”

Police Scotland Detective Chief Inspector Alasdair Penny added: “Fraud, in any form, is a despicable and cowardly crime with, often anonymous, criminals targeting the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“Our advice is clear and the public should be aware that a telephone call, email or text may not be from the person or organisation it appears to come from.

“If you ever have any concerns and think you may have been a victim of fraud, you should contact your bank immediately and police via 101.”

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