Falkirk residents warned as Scots lose more than £5000 a week to energy scams
Falkirk residents have been warned to be on their guard after figures revealed that people across Scotland reported losing £276,731 to energy scams in the 12 months up to April 2026.
Trading Standards Scotland has urged households to beware of scammers posing as energy companies, councils or government-backed schemes, after Scots lost more than £5000 a week to energy scams between April 2025 and April 2026.
As pressure on household budgets grows ahead of Christmas, TSS has launched its Take Control of the Small Things campaign to help people protect themselves.
Residents in Falkirk lost nearly £6000 in the year until April, while a couple in Fife paid almost £4000 after a cold caller said their roof was at risk of rotting.
Their son later discovered that workers had punched holes through the roof and removed tiles to create vents. No new insulation had been fitted and no anti-mould treatment applied. The couple are still waiting for a refund.
Police Scotland has urged people to think twice before handing over money or personal information to anyone claiming to be from a trusted organisation.
The warning comes as a new consumer watchdog poll found that 48 per cent of Scots are worried about affording their energy bills this winter, while a third have been approached with offers of cheap or free energy-saving products in the past 12 months.
Councillor Maureen Chalmers, chair of Trading Standards Scotland’s governance board, said: “It is deeply concerning that Scots are losing more than £5000 a week to energy scams, and we know the true figure is likely to be much higher because many cases go unreported.”
Detective Chief Inspector Alasdair Penny said: “Fraud, in any form, is a despicable and cowardly crime with, often anonymous, criminals targeting the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“Criminals can pretend to be someone you trust such as your bank, the police, utility provider or government organisation. Our advice is clear and the public should be aware that it 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.”
For advice or to report potential scams visit Consumer Advice or call 0808 164 6000.