Bill payers have been issued an urgent warning from Action Fraud at a time where people are being asked to check their meter readings before the price hike.
Customers of all the leading energy companies – including British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, npower, Scottish Power and SSE – have been affected by a scam.
According to Action Fraud electricity or doorstep electricity meter credit scams are on the rise with it being revealed that more than 188,000 customers are said to have already fallen victim to the scam.
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The scams involve being offered "cut-price energy" for those who use pre-payment meters.
They explain: "Criminals use cloned keys to top up energy credit illegally. People are offered a cut price deal on their doorstep, for example £50 of electricity meter top-up for a cash payment of just £25.
"However, energy companies detect that they have not received payment for energy used, and the customer ends up paying for the energy twice – first to the fraudsters and then to their energy company."
Action Fraud also state that the perpetrators are believed to have links to "serious and organised criminal activity" with companies urging their customers not to get involved.
The news comes as financial guru Martin Lewis' - founder of Money Saving Expert - has said that households should check their readings on a regular basis - especially before April when the price hike kicks in.
They explain: "Don't rely on estimated use - unless you've a smart meter that does it for you, make sure your meter readings are up to date when the price cap changes on April 1. This is to ensure you're not paying for more than you need to at the higher rate (as otherwise the firm will try to calculate what was used before and after)."
What should you do if you’re a victim of an electricity scam?
- Report it to Action Fraud.
- Call your electricity company to advise them about what’s happened.
- You can report the salesperson to the Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. or to the National Trading Standards if you believe they have sold you faulty, inferior or overpriced products or services.
Protect yourself against electricity scams
- Never buy your electricity from someone who knocks at your door. Electricity companies do not sell electricity top-up door-to-door.
- Always buy your electricity from official outlets – PayPoint, Payzone and The Post Office.
If you have lost money to a fraud, report it to Action Fraud.
