Electric and gas tricks, here is the guide to learn and defend yourself

What is phishing – This type of fraud is carried out Through digital channels and the Internet. According to research by the SOStariffe.it observatory, the goal of scammers is to obtain personal or financial data, passwords to access their accounts and any other data potentially “monetized”. This type of fraud is carried out, in most cases by email. They usually include a link to a website where the user is invited to enter their access data or provide data with the aim of activating unwanted electricity and gas contracts. In some cases, fraudsters will attempt to obtain a user’s payment card details, for example, by simulating the need to pay an overdue bill to avoid a disconnection of the supply. provides an alternative Send an SMS With a link to the site that will be used to steal user data, often attributable to a postal or bank account.

proven methods – “Traditional” scams remain a threat via a call center or door-to-door delivery system. Among the most common tricks is Yes scam in which some of the user’s keywords are typed (“yes”, “I confirm”). In the words of the user, a fake registration compilation will be carried out that will simulate the approval of a new contract.

Then there is a file “End of Protected Market Scam” The user is paid to activate a new supply contract by deception. The other alternative is “Local Dealer Scam” Where the seller, pretending to be a local distributor of energy, makes false offers on favorable tariff terms.

How do you defend yourself? – To avoid electricity and gas fraud it is necessary not to participate I code POD e PDR (identification codes, respectively, for electricity and gas supplies) already known to your supplier and can be used by third parties to activate unwanted contracts not with a new operator.

In a similar way, Do not sign contracts or documents Without carefully reading what is being reported e Do not show or send the invoice for anonymous topics. It is also important not to pass on sensitive data to third parties. To avoid door-to-door scams, it is important nDon’t let anyone enter the house And not to provide money to the alleged representatives of the energy provider. Also, don’t use positive words on the phone.

To avoid phishing, it is useful Don’t click on any link Received via email or SMS and does not provide personal data or card details. It is always important to refer to your service provider’s digital channels.

ARERA Quick Recovery Procedure To protect consumers from the activation of unwanted energy contracts, the Energy Authority (ARERA) has, for several years, enabled a quick refund procedure (Resolution 228/2017/R/com) allowing users to return to the previous company. This procedure allows Reactivate the offer From the deceived customer on the same terms as above.