Data from the leading energy companies – British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, npower, Scottish Power and SSE – shows that the fraud, organised by criminal gangs, is hitting customers across the city, with reports that over 4,500 households in Lewisham have already fallen victim to the scam.
A new campaign by Energy UK, “Top-up Safe”, and supported by Lewisham Council, is warning customers to only buy their electricity meter top-ups from official PayPoint and Payzone retailers or the Post Office to avoid being scammed. Otherwise, customers could will end up paying twice: once to the criminal and then again to their electricity supplier who can detect the fraud.
The scam is of particular concern because to obtain the fake top-ups people must let the criminals into their homes to access their electricity meters. Reports of threatening behaviour from the perpetrators of the fraud have been received by some energy companies who are urging people to steer clear of those involved.
Christine McGourty, Director of Energy UK, said: “Since launching the Top-up Safe campaign in September, energy companies have been working together to tackle prepayment fraud. However, the numbers of incidents continue to rise as more people fall victim to this serious scam.
“The people selling these illegal top-ups are criminals and although it might seem like an easy way to save money, not only will you be letting a criminal into your home, you will end up having to pay twice. The only people benefitting from this scam are the fraudsters and the only way to get the energy you pay for is to buy top-ups from official PayPoint and Payzone retailers or the Post Office.”
Further information can be found at www.top-upsafe.com. Consumers can report suspicious behaviour to their energy company, Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, Lewisham Council’s Trading Standards team (call 020 8314 7759) or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Reports of threatening behaviour should be made to the Police.
