Doorstep electricity meter top-up scam

An estimated 85,000 households have been affected by a doorstep scam that seems to offer cheaper electricity meter top-ups, but just ends up with consumers paying twice.

Energy companies have launched a national campaign, “Top up Safe”, urging electricity prepayment meter customers to buy top-up only through official channels.

There is evidence of serious and organised criminal activity and electricity companes are urging customers not to buy credit for their meters on the doorstep.

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. As the energy credit is illegal any customer buying top-up on the doorstep will end up paying twice, first to the criminal and then to their energy supplier.

Christine McGourty, Director at Energy UK, which represents all the leading energy companies, said: “This a serious and widespread scam and we’re launching the Top-Up Safe campaign to urge customers to steer clear of the criminals behind it. Just like when you buy something fake online – like a ticket for a football match or a music concert – you’re the one who’ll end up losing out in the end."

Mike O’Connor CBE, Chief Executive of Consumer Focus, said: “This despicable scam is putting cash in the pockets of criminals and defrauding thousands of people who are already hard pressed in this economic climate. Consumers must be on the alert for anyone who comes to their doorstep claiming to sell electricity credit. Any customer worried that they may have been affected should call their energy supplier or Consumer Direct to seek advice.”

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.

A national industry communications campaign has been launched with a prominent warning message on the receipts issued when customer buy electricity top-up from official outlets – PayPoint, Payzone, and The Post Office. Companies never sell electricity top-up door-to-door.