ORGANISED criminals have targeted homes selling illegal meter credit, a watchdog has warned.
Energy companies and Consumer Focus, the consumer watchdog, have alerted residents in Chester that they could be affected by a doorstep scam which seems to offer cheaper electricity meter top-ups but just ends up with consumers paying twice.
Some customers are being offered £50 of electricity meter top-up for a cash payment of just £25.
Energy companies detect when they have not received payment for electricity used, so any illegal credit will end up paying twice, first to the criminal and then to the energy supplier.
After the scale of widespread illegal sales of electricity top-up on the doorstep was revealed this week, energy companies are launching a national campaign, “Top up Safe”.
The scheme urges electricity prepayment meter customers to buy top-up only through official channels.
The problem has already affected more than 85,000 customers of all of the leading energy companies across the UK.
Companies have begun writing to and telephoning their electricity pre-payment meter customers to alert them not to buy credit for their meters on the doorstep.
Christine McGourty, director at Energy UK, which represents all the leading energy companies, said: “It’s essential that you only top-up your electricity meter from recognised PayPoint or Payzone shops or The Post Office.
“Energy companies are determined to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice and are working closely with the police at a local and national level to stamp out this illegal activity.”
Mike O’Connor, chief executive of Consumer Focus, said it was a “despicable scam” that put cash in the pockets of criminals and defrauded thousands of people.
Dave Cording, Crimestoppers’ director of operations, said: “If anyone knows someone selling illegal electricity top ups, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Crimestoppers-uk.org. By contacting
Crimestoppers, no one will know your identity and you will not go to court. The public can play a vital role in helping to catch criminals, simply by taking a few minutes to pass on any information they may have.”
Further information can be found at www.top-upsafe.com. Customers can contact their electricity company or Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.