Fraud awareness: Protecting your small business | EDF
At EDF Small Business, we know that running a business is demanding – and the last thing you need is the threat of fraud. Unfortunately, fraudsters are increasingly targeting small businesses, using convincing scams to try and steal money or sensitive information.
That’s why Ofgem has launched a fraud awareness initiative – and why EDF Small Business is proud to support it. Together, we want to help you stay vigilant, informed and protected.
Why fraud awareness is essential for small business owners
Fraud isn’t just about financial loss. It can damage your reputation, disrupt operations and drain valuable time. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable because they often don’t have dedicated fraud or compliance teams. Awareness is the first line of defence – and it’s something every business can strengthen.
Common energy scams targeting small businesses
Fraudsters use a variety of tactics to trick businesses. Here are some of the most common:
- Impersonation scams: Pretending to be EDF, Ofgem, or another supplier to request bank details
- Fake switching offers: Promises of cheaper tariffs if you hand over sensitive information
- Phishing emails or texts: Links to fake websites designed to steal login credentials
- Doorstep scams: Individuals claiming to be inspectors or regulators
Energy theft: what it is and why it matters
Energy theft isn’t just illegal – it can create dangerous conditions that put people, property and neighbouring businesses at risk. Research suggests it costs UK consumers up to £1.4 billion each year, and thousands of cases still go unreported. Commercial energy theft has risen sharply in recent years, making it more important than ever to know what to look for when moving into a new commercial property.
Why you should care as a new owner
If a previous occupant tampered with the gas or electricity supply, you could unknowingly inherit:
- Gas leaks, fires and explosions
- Electric shocks and major equipment damage
- Power outages for neighbouring businesses
- Closure of premises and loss of stock
- Serious injury or even fatalities
- Criminal prosecution and large financial penalties
What to look for during viewings or handover
When inspecting a new commercial property, pay close attention to the condition and accessibility of the energy supply. Warning signs include:
- Exposed, improvised or suspicious wiring
- Damaged or bypassed meters
- Locked, hidden or inaccessible meter cupboards
- Unexplained burning smells, scorch marks or buzzing near meters
- Businesses appearing to run high-energy operations on unusually low bills
If you suspect energy theft you can report anonymously to Stay Energy Safe or by phone 0800 023 2777 or speak to our EDF Revenue Protection team on 0333 188 6728.
Spotting the red flags
| 🚩 Red Flag | Why it’s suspicious | What to do |
| Urgent demand for payment | Pressure tactics are a classic scam | Verify with EDF directly |
| Requests for bank details | EDF will never ask this way | Hang up, report to Action Fraud |
| Poor grammar or odd links in emails | Likely phishing attempt | Delete, don’t click |
| “Official” visitors without notice | EDF will always provide notice of a visit | Refuse entry, contact EDF |
How EDF protects small business customers from fraud
We take fraud seriously. Our teams are constantly monitoring for suspicious activity, improving security measures and sharing guidance with customers. Here’s how we support you:
- Clear communication: EDF will never pressure you to act immediately or ask for bank details out of the blue
- Strong commitment: We follow GDPR and industry regulations carefully to ensure your data is protected
- Dedicated support: Our customer service teams are trained to help you verify any unexpected contact. Emails from EDF will come from hello@smallbusiness.edfenergy.com, or hellobusiness@edfenergy.com. You can also check our webpage, where all EDF contact numbers are listed.
We asked one of our EDF Small Business energy specialists why we put so much emphasis on safeguarding your information. Here’s what they had to say:
Practical steps your small business can take to reduce fraud risk
- Train staff to recognise scam tactics
- Set up an internal process for reporting suspicious communications
- Always verify unexpected contact through EDF official channels
- Report incidents to Action Fraud
EDF: Your trusted partner in fraud prevention
Fraud awareness isn't just about avoiding loss - it's about building resilience. At EDF Small Business, we're committed to helping you stay secure so you can focus on what matters most: running and growing your business.
Stay vigilant, stay informed and trust EDF to keep you protected.
