Warning on illegal sale of electricity top-up cards

CONSUMERS were warned yesterday about a doorstep scam offering them cheap electricity but ending up costing them twice as much for their energy.

Consumer Focus and energy companies said an estimated 85,000 households had been affected by the illegal sale of electricity meter top-ups.

Some customers were offered 50 of electricity meter top-up for a cash payment of 25, but ended up paying twice because the money was not going to energy suppliers.

A national campaign launched yesterday urged electricity pre-payment meter customers to buy top-ups only through official channels.

Christine McGourty, director at Energy UK, which represents all the leading energy companies, said: "This is 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.

"Energy companies can detect the fraud and you'll end up paying twice for your electricity, first to the criminal and then again to your energy company, which can always detect when electricity has been used, but not paid for through the proper channels."

Mike O'Connor, 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." Crimestoppers' director of operations Dave Cording added: "If anyone knows someone selling illegal electricity top-ups, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Crimestoppers-uk.org. The public can play a vital role in helping to catch criminals by passing on any information they may have."