Hackney a hotspot for electricity meter scam
Cut-price doorstep electricity scam targets the vulnerable
A scam involving criminal gangs offering cheap electricity to residents using cloned meter keys is on the rise in Hackney.
More than 3,600 cases have already been recorded in Hackney where residents have bought fake top-ups from fraudsters on their doorstep, making it the sixth worst affected London borough.
The rogue traders need to be allowed into the home to access the electricity meter, putting the resident in danger.
And customers who have succumbed to the scam have found themselves paying twice after electricity suppliers detected the fraud.
You may also want to watch:
They have reported threatening behaviour, and police have also made arrests in connection with the activity.
Chief Inspector Jane Easton, head of Hackney’s Safer Neighbourhoods Teams, said: “We regularly urge residents to be wary of unsolicited doorstep callers and the message of this campaign is clear: don’t buy electricity meter top-ups at the doorstep.”
Most Read
- 1 Police issue fines worth £15,000 after suspected illegal rave in Hackney
- 2 Empty Hoxton car parks and garages to be turned into homes
- 3 Investigation launched after Stamford Hill lockdown wedding
- 4 Man sentenced for assault on Homerton Hospital nurse
- 5 Hackney tenant who was left 'terrified' for years reaches court settlement
- 6 Pictures: Scenes in Islington and Hackney after snowfall blankets London
- 7 Restaurant owner delivers treats to Homerton Hospital
- 8 Prospect of £10K fine after Stamford Hill wedding
- 9 Hackney reviewing whether court ruling impacts low-traffic neighbourhoods
- 10 Police seize lock and 'Rambo-style' knifes in London Fields
Audrey Gallacher, head of energy at customer awareness group Consumer Focus, said: “Although it might seem like an easy way to save money, not only will you be letting a criminal into your home, you will end up having to pay twice.”
Customers have been urged to buy their electricity meter top-ups from official PayPoint and Payzone retailers or the Post Office to avoid disappointment.
Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.