By Gemma Roberts
Homeowners are being warned about a door-to-door "money-saving" electricity scam which could result in them paying more for their energy.
Around 85,000 homes have been affected by the illegal sale of electricity meter top-ups, according to energy companies and Consumer Focus. Some homeowners ended up paying for their electricity twice after they were offered a £50 top-up for £25 - which never reached their supplier.
People using pre-payment electricity meters are being urged, in a new campaign, to only buy top-ups 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, who can always detect when electricity has been used, but not paid for through the proper channels. 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."
