# Fraud & Scams ## Watch Out for Phony Home Energy Audits By Cameron Huddleston May 20, 2026 Sorry We’re having a little trouble. That offer to help you save big on your energy bill this summer could be a scam. The Better Business Bureau has received reports of con artists offering phony home energy audits. Here's what to know about this scam. ## How the phony energy audit scam works Scammers are calling homeowners or appearing at their doors and claiming to represent utility companies or local government energy departments. They appear legitimate because some show identification (which isn't real) and ask to come in to conduct a home energy audit. When these con artists call or visit, they might say that you're eligible for a rebate and ask you to pay for a grant or to provide your debit or credit card number to receive a refund. Or, they offer ways to cut energy costs—such as installing filters, thermostats or other equipment. According to the BBB, they will ask you to sign a contract and provide a debit or credit card number. However, you won't receive any equipment, and the scammers will have your card information. ## How to avoid being scammed The best way to avoid phony energy audit scams (or any scams) is [not to answer the phone](/content/articles/how-to-hang-up-on-scam-calls/index.html) or open the door to strangers. However, if you find yourself talking to someone claiming to help you cut energy costs, the BBB recommends taking these steps: - **Don’t allow anyone in your home** to conduct any sort of inspection unless you contacted your utility company to schedule an appointment or report a problem. - **Don’t agree to anything on the spot.** Tell the person offering the home energy audit that you need time to think about it. If the person pressures or threatens you to make an immediate decision, this is a red flag that it's a scam. Legitimate utility company or government employees won't use high-pressure tactics. - **Contact your utility company** or government agency to find out if it is offering energy audits. Look up the contact information online or in the phone book. Don't rely on the phone number or contact information that the person who reached out to you provided because it could be fake. - **Call a trusted friend or family member** or your local BBB to discuss the offer you received. Talking to someone can help you evaluate whether it's a scam. If you suspect that you have been targeted by a scammer, you can report it to local law enforcement and to the [BBB Scam Tracker](https://t.e2ma.net/click/3cfgze/3kdgoi4/vubnxm). ### Cameron Huddleston _Cameron Huddleston is an editor-at-large at Carefull and the author of_ [_Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk: How to Have Essential Conversations With Your Parents About Their Finances_](https://www.amazon.com/Mom-Dad-Need-Talk-Conversations-dp-111953836X/dp/111953836X/ref=mt_hardcover) _. You can learn more about her at_ [_CameronHuddleston.com_](https://cameronhuddleston.com/) _or follow her on Instagram at_ [_@cameronkhuddleston_](https://www.instagram.com/cameronkhuddleston/) _._ ## 3 Steps to Safer Money, Try it Free for 30 Days ### Step 1 Start your free, no-risk trial ### Step 2 Connect the accounts and cards you want protected ### Step 3 Stay alerted to any unusual activity [Activate your protection](https://secure.getcarefull.com/auth/signUp/email) Disclaimer: The information and resources above and within the articles are provided for your convenience through Carefull and should not be considered an endorsement of products, services or information provided, or an assurance of security or privacy provided at the linked site. Bristol County Savings Bank does not own or operate these sites and does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information contained therein. We encourage you to review their privacy and security policies which may differ from Bristol County Savings Bank. Bristol County Savings Bank assumes no liability for any loss or damage resulting from any reliance on the material provided.