Common Energy Scams in Victoria and How to Protect Yourself

Scam artists are constantly creating new ways to bilk more victims. And unfortunately, energy scams are increasing in Victoria. They hijack homes and businesses in the hopes of obtaining money or personal information. 

The good news is that you have the ability to protect yourself. This guide can help you recognize and potentially avoid energy scams. Visit our energy compare tool.

Fake Energy Bill Scams

Con artists mail fraudulent statements that appear legitimate. They may take the name of a familiar energy firm. Some of these phony bills claim you owe money and must act fast. If you refuse, they threaten to turn off your power.

How to Spot This Scam:

• This bill is not like the one you are used to receive.
• It demands immediate payment or threatens disconnection.
• The payment information differs from your regular bill.
• There are typos or odd phrasing.

How to Stay Safe:

• Never pay without checking your account online first.
• Ring your energy supplier on the number on its official website.
• Delete unsolicited emails or text messages without clicking links.

Door-to-Door Energy Scams

Door-to-door scammers posing as energy workers might knock on your door. They tell you that they can get you a better deal. They might require personal information or a copy of your bill. Others will even attempt to get you added to a new plan, without your consent.

How to Spot This Scam:

• They strong-arm you into changing energy providers on the spot.
• They won’t provide anything in writing.
• They immediately ask you for your personal information.
• They won’t display official identification.

How to Stay Safe:

• Request identification and confirm their company by calling them directly.
• Never provide personal information or a copy of your bill.
• If they give you the willies, send them on their way.

Phone Call Scams

Fraudsters ring up allegedly on behalf of your energy supplier. They claim you must make an urgent payment. They also offer fake discounts or refunds at times. They will request your credit card information, over the phone.

How to Spot This Scam:

• The caller is persistent and determined to be paid.
• They request sensitive information, such as bank account numbers.
• A serious issue with your bill is urgent, they say.

How to Stay Safe:

• End the call and call your energy provider on the official number.
• Never give out your personal or banking information over the phone.
• So watch out for calls from private or unknown numbers.

Scam Solar Panels and Energy Rebate scams

Scammers offer huge discounts on solar panels or government rebates. They push you to pay a deposit or sign a contract rapidly. Some even impersonate government programs.

How to Spot Solar Panels Scam:

• The offer appears to be too good to be real.
• They demand upfront payment.
• They push you to make a call on the spot.
• They say they’re from a government program but offer no proof.

How to Stay Safe:

• Do your homework on any solar provider before signing anything.
• Visit official websites for government rebate programs.
• Do not send money in advance until you check out the company.
  
  

Email and Text Message Scams

Fraudsters might email or text you, masquerading as your energy supplier. These messages prompt you to click on a link to pay a bill, or to update your details. You are sent to a phoney web site that will harvest your details.

How to Spot Email Scam:

• The message is spelled incorrectly or poorly.
• It prompts you to click on a link to make a payment.
• The email address of the sender is suspicious.

How to Stay Safe:

• Do not click on links in suspicious messages.
• Verify the sender’s email address closely.
• Log in directly to your energy provider’s website to view your account.

Investment Scams in Energy

Impersonators are offering investments in fake energy companies. They say that by investing in solar, wind or new energy technology, you can make big profits.

How to Spot This Scam:

• And they guarantee high returns.
• They pressure you to invest fast.
• Their company information is not clear.

How to Stay Safe:

• Invest in anything you can’t research before putting money down.
• Approach promises of high returns with little risk with caution.
• Consult a trusted financial professional for advice.

Fake Power Outage Scams

Some scammers also will call or text, saying power is out in your area. They say that you have to pay a fee to get your power/ electricity restored quickly.

How to Spot Fake Power Outage Scam:

• They say your power will remain off until you pay.
• They require payment on the spot.
• The origin of the message is an unknown phone number.

How to Stay Safe:

• Don’t pay before calling your energy provider.
• Check your provider’s website to determine whether there are outages.
• Do not pay anyone who reaches out to you out of the blue.

Fake Charity Energy Scams

Fraudsters pose as representatives of charities that assist people with energy bills. They solicit donations, but the funds go in their pocket instead.

How to Spot Fake Charity Energy Scam:

• The charity’s name is unfamiliar or somewhat different from a real one.
• They request cash contributions or bank account information.
• They push you to donate quickly.

How to Stay Safe:

• Give only to registered charities.
• Verify details on the charity’s website and official information.
• Never send money or personal information to someone you don’t know.

How to Report an Energy Scam

If you believe you’ve been targeted, report the scam:

• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) — Scamwatch Visit www. scamwatch. gov.au.
• Your Energy Provider – Contact them directly to confirm if a call, email or text is legitimate.
• Victoria Police – What to do if you have lost money
• Your Bank – If you provided your bank details, inform your bank as soon as possible.

Final Tips to Stay Safe

• Always double-check before you pay any bill.
• Never disclose personal information to strangers.
• Take your time to avoid the pressure to make snap decisions.
• Check any offers that seem too good to be true.
• Report scams to help protect yourself and others.

Scammers exploit fear and urgency to scam people. With the right knowledge though, you can keep yourself safe. Be skeptical of surprise callers, emails and offers. And if you’re ever in doubt, give yourself a moment to confirm. Keep yourself, your money and your personal information safe. Be vigilant, and don’t give scammers any opportunity to cheat you.

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