Energy certificate scams

Energy certificate scams: fraud linked to energy-related procedures

There is nothing more convenient than completing a process with a single click. The rise of digital procedures has made life easier for many people. However, it has also led to an increase in related scams. This is the case with energy certificates, official documents that are mandatory when buying or selling a property. What does this scam involve and how can you avoid it?

Technician working on the installation of an energy unit, checking information on a tablet in front of an air conditioning system.

Issuing an energy efficiency certificate is mandatory when advertising, selling or renting a property.

What is an energy certificate and how do these scams work?

An energy certificate is used to determine how much energy a home consumes and the amount of CO₂ it generates. It assesses a property's energy efficiency and assigns it a rating on a scale from A (the highest rating) to G (the lowest). This document helps future owners or tenants understand how much energy the property is likely to consume, making it easier to compare with other homes.

To produce it, a qualified technician must visit the property and assess elements such as insulation, lighting and heating and cooling systems. An in-person inspection and official certification are both essential requirements for the document to be valid.

The energy certificate scam involves issuing a fake document. This may happen because the person carrying out the assessment lacks the proper accreditation or because the legal certification requirements have not been met. The outcome is the same: customers pay without receiving what they need, while fraudsters keep the money. To avoid this type of scam, it is important to watch for warning signs and be cautious of unofficial websites.

Fake energy certificates: warning signs to identify fraud

If you know what to look for, spotting this type of scam is straightforward. Here are five ways to identify energy certificate fraud:

No in-person inspection

A qualified technician must visit the property. An inspection by video call or a request to send photographs is a clear warning sign of fraud.

Unusually low prices

Although discounts can be appealing, in this case they may be a warning sign. An energy certificate typically costs around €1.50 per square metre.

No official logos

This procedure is managed by Spain’s autonomous regions. Therefore, the energy certificate should display official logos and identifying details of the relevant regional authority in a visible place on the document.

Errors in the information

The certificate should include the property address and the cadastral reference number that identifies the property. Any errors in this information should raise concerns.

Registration code

This is the number assigned to an energy certificate once it has been officially registered with the region. An authentic document will always include it, and it should be possible to verify it.

How to avoid an energy certificate scam

Avoiding energy certificate fraud begins with the first point of contact. First, it is important to use an authorised certifier. You can usually find a list on the website of your region or through your local professional association of architects and building surveyors. This site, for example, will help you in the Madrid region.

During the inspection, it is important that the visit is carried out thoroughly and professionally. The property owner should not act as an assistant by taking measurements or recording data. An inspection may take around one hour, while preparing the certificate may take around four. An inspection that seems unusually brief may indicate that something is wrong.

Finally, if the certificate is genuine, the property will appear in the public energy certificate portal of Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. It should also be possible to verify the registration code through your region’s official portal.

Iberdrola España and the prevention of energy certificate scams

Preventing digital fraud is part of Iberdrola España’s commitment to cybersecurity. That is why we work to educate consumers and share essential information to help them avoid potential scams. In addition, our security measures ensure that our customers’ transactions, contracts and payments remain well protected.

Information, caution and the right security measures are essential to protecting people from the growing threats emerging online.