Energy meter scam warning as cold callers offer cheap top ups

Action Fraud say that criminals use cloned keys to top up energy credit illegally.

Trading Standards Scotland warns of pre-paid electric meter top-up scam as energy prices increase — Stock image of electric meter. iStock

1st Jun 2022

Energy companies have warned those using pre-payment electricity meters of doorstep scammers offering to top them up at a cut price fee.

Trading Standards Scotland said they were aware of recent reports of doorstep scammers and have urged people to not engage with cold callers who may be attempting to take advantage as the cost of living crisis has caused energy bills to increase.

Action Fraud say that 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.

The perpetrators of these electricity scams are believed to have links to serious and organised criminal activity, and electricity companies are urging their customers not to get involved.

More than 188,000 customers have been affected by this crime already across the UK and customers of all the leading energy companies – including British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, npower, Scottish Power and SSE – have been affected.

Trading Standards Scotland have warned that electricity companies do not sell top-ups door to door, and anyone affected by this type of suspicious caller should report them to Police Scotland on 101.