The Energy Advice Line has urged small and medium sized firms to hang up on cold callers offering to help them with their energy bills after an investigation was launched into a scam that leaves businesses hundreds of pounds out of pocket.
Julian Morgan, managing director of the price comparison, switching and advice service, said the swindle was further evidence that Ofgem should outlaw cold calling.
“The investigation into this fraudulent activity highlights what we have been saying for some time: businesses need to avoid dealing with cold callers,” Mr Morgan said.
“The majority of cold callers are not fraudsters, of course, but for many reasons it’s better to politely hang up on unsolicited callers offering cheap energy deals or anything else to do with their energy supplies.
“Cold callers are unlikely to be offering the cheapest deals on the market because they are often calling on behalf of a particular supplier, despite what they say to the contrary.
“Worse, they could be fraudsters trying to steal your money.
“Reputable and independent switching services don’t need to engage in call calling, so just hang up on anyone that calls out of the blue.”
Trading Standards officers in Nottinghamshire have launched an investigation into a company that targets pubs, cafes and takeaways offering to claim back up to £6000 on their utility bills.
The fraudsters, operating under a number of company names, arrange for “auditors” to review a business’ energy bills and then persuade the owners to sign an agreement to claim back money.
The signed-up business later receives a telephone call purporting to be from their energy supplier, who apologizes for overcharging them. The fraudsters complete their scam by persuading the business to sign a contract that contains a £325 fee in the small print.
“If it seems too good to be true, it probably is, and this applies to getting money back from energy companies or basic energy deals,” Mr Morgan said.
“If you believe you might have been overcharged for your energy – and this does happen due to malfunctioning meters or billing mistakes, contact your energy supplier directly.
“And when it comes to shopping around for the best deals, always do this through a reputable price comparison and switching service like the Energy Advice Line. This way you know you are getting independent advice.”
The Energy Advice Line is one of the UK's leading price comparison and switching services for business and domestic energy customers. It is also an advocate for energy market reform and has campaigned for a better deal for energy users, including calling for a ban on cold calling and changes to regulations to make it easier for all consumers to switch suppliers.
The service is completely independent and free. Consumers can quickly and simply search the market for the best available energy deals from an extensive panel of small and large energy suppliers. The service also offers a free advice line for business energy customers.
For further information visit
www.energyadviceline.org.uk
