Utility scams affect 2.9 million Italians, causing 650 million euros in losses

An investigation conducted by mUp Research for Facile.it between December 2024 and January 2025 estimates that 2.9 million Italians were victims of fraud or attempted fraud related to electricity and gas bills over a twelve-month period. The total economic damage is estimated at nearly 650 million euros. While these figures remain high, the number of victims has decreased by 27% compared to three years ago, when approximately 4 million people were affected.

Telephone calls remain the primary method for scammers, accounting for 68.2% of cases through fictitious call centers. Email accounts for 24.9%, followed by door-to-door tactics at 12.9%, messaging apps at 9.5%, and social networks at 6%. Scammers typically use the promise of lower tariffs to lure victims.

Data from Consumerismo No Profit highlights a significant issue with reporting, noting that 59.2% of victims do not file official complaints. Common reasons include the belief that the loss is too small to pursue or that recovery is impossible. Consumer advocacy groups emphasize that energy providers must remain responsible for the conduct of the third-party agencies and call centers they employ to secure contracts.