Protect Your Business from Energy Scams

For many businesses, managing energy contracts is already a complex task and that’s before you add in the growing number of scams and misleading brokers operating in the market.

Around one in five small businesses have been misled by a third-party energy broker. Many don’t realise they’ve been locked into a bad deal until the bills start to rise often with terms they never saw or agreed to in writing.

The good news? A few simple checks can help you stay in control and avoid falling into the same trap.

Energy Scams Are Getting Smarter

Scammers know that business energy is often confusing. They exploit that.

Some present themselves as legitimate brokers. Others claim to be “from your supplier” or working on behalf of a regulator. The goal is usually the same to pressure you into a contract quickly, often through misleading information, hidden fees or even verbal consent tricks.

These tactics often target small and medium-sized businesses. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone and it’s not your fault.

But there are steps you can take to stay in control.

1. Look them up
Start with a quick online search. Check their website, read reviews, and see if they’re mentioned in any industry listings. A real broker should have a digital footprint. If what you find is vague, inconsistent or non-existent, that’s a red flag.

2. Check Companies House
Every UK business should be registered with Companies House. It’s free to use and only takes a minute. Look for how long the company’s been active, who runs it, and whether their registered details match what you’ve been told.

3. Use trusted contact details
If someone calls claiming to be your supplier or broker, don’t take their word for it. Hang up and call back using a number from a previous bill or the supplier’s official website. This helps avoid spoofed numbers or fake email domains.

4. Ask for a written quote
Scammers often try to rush decisions over the phone. A legitimate broker will always send a full quote and contract terms in writing. If someone refuses to do that or tries to pressure you to agree before seeing anything, walk away.

5. Avoid giving verbal consent
Even a simple “yes” can be recorded and used to lock you into a contract. Be cautious during sales calls. Don’t confirm anything, agree to proceed, or provide details until you’ve seen the paperwork.

6. Don’t rush
No genuine broker will rush you into a contract without giving you time to review it properly. If someone claims they're calling on behalf of your supplier, says they can’t send anything in writing, or tells you you’ve already agreed verbally, that’s a major red flag. Legitimate advisors give you the space to ask questions and make an informed decision.

Not Sure Who to Trust? Let Us Double-Check.

That’s exactly what our free Triage Review is for.

Alongside helping you understand your usage and rates, we’ll verify any broker you’re working with and check whether their pricing, terms or approach raise any red flags.

Here’s what we’ll cover as part of your Triage Review:

• • A full background check on the broker or third party, including their registration status, company history and any signs of non-compliance

• • A forensic look at the pricing you've been offered, comparing it to live market conditions and what similar businesses are paying

• • A detailed review of the contract terms, looking for red flags like hidden charges, rollover clauses, or signs of verbal consent misuse

• • Independent guidance on whether the offer is fair, compliant, and in your best interest and what your better options may be

We take this seriously because the risks are serious. Every review is carried out by an experienced analyst, not a script or a chatbot, and everything we find is explained clearly so you know exactly where you stand.

Smarter Checks Mean Safer Decisions

Energy scams are designed to confuse, pressure and mislead. But a few simple checks and the right support can help you stay one step ahead.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Whether it’s a quote, a call or just a feeling that something’s off, we’re here to help.

Book your free Triage Review

and get the reassurance you need with expert insight, no pressure, and no obligation.