Energy companies launch “Top up Safe” campaign

As the scale of widespread illegal sales of electricity top-up on the doorstep is revealed, energy companies are launching a national campaign, "Top up Safe", urging electricity prepayment meter customers to buy top-up only through official channels.

The problem is affecting customers of all of the leading energy companies (British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, npower, Scottish Power and SSE).

Companies have begun writing to and telephoning their electricity pre-payment meter customers to alert them. There is evidence of serious and organised criminal activity and they 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, says: "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.

"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, who can always detect when electricity has been used, but not paid for through the proper channels. It’s essential that you only top-up your electricity meter from recognised PayPoint or Payzone shops or The Post Office.

"Energy companies are determined to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice and are working closely with the Police at a local and national level to stamp out this illegal activity."

Mike O’Connor CBE, Chief Executive of Consumer Focus, says: "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."

Dave Cording, Crimestoppers’ Director of Operations said: "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.

The industry’s national "Top-Up Safe" campaign will also include posters and leaflets and a dedicated website. Further information can be found at top-upsafe.com. Customers can contact their electricity company or Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.