Prepayment meter scams
This scam involves criminals offering cloned energy top up keys to people on pre-payment meters, promising a cut-price deal on their energy.
The reality is your energy company will detect that they haven’t had payment for the energy and will charge you regardless. This means you get charged twice – once by the scammer and once by your energy supplier.
Scammers might also try knocking on your door offering these cloned keys. Energy suppliers will never sell electricity top-ups door-to-door, so always top up your key from an official outlet.
Action Fraud has more information about this type of scam, including what you should do if you’re targeted.
Smart meter scams
Smart meters are free to install. Your energy supplier should organise the installation and only carried out by a qualified professional.
Scammers may impersonate your provider or another company to trick you into agreeing to an installation, sometimes requesting an upfront fee or personal details.
Meter reading scams
There are still meter reading scams taking place in the UK. They usually involved a scammer impersonating an official meter reader to gain access to your house or personal information.
As more people get smart meters, in-person meter readings are rarer. Official meter readers will have photographic ID to prove that they work for your provider, but you’re also best to check with the supplier directly. Don’t use the phone number the person gives at your door: find the official number online or on a bill.
