Norfolk: Energy Device Scam

11 March 2012, 07:00

Norfolk County Council Trading Standards are again warning people about telephone cold callers offering energy saving devices.

Following a warning issued by the department in December, the department has learned that residents in a number of areas of Norfolk are still receiving calls from people claiming to be their energy supplier, or working in partnership with them, offering a plug in device at a cost of £99 which they say can save them 40% off their energy bills.

A number of these items have been tested and not only failed to satisfy electrical safety standards but do not deliver any tangible energy savings.

If you have purchased one of these products do not use it and dispose of it carefully as they pose a possible risk of fire and electrocution.

Trading Standards advises all residents to be very wary of any offer made during a cold call and not to buy items if you are approached this way.

In a new second part to this scam, people who have been caught out and purchased these items are also being contacted by a bogus claims management company calling to offer compensation of up to £3,000.

The callers often have information about the person they are calling, including the name of the company that originally sold them the device.

To claim the compensation the consumer is asked to purchase a money transfer voucher of approximately £300 to cover administration fees and to call the claims management company back with the voucher code.Those who have purchased the voucher have failed to receive their compensation cheque.

Trading Standards Officers advise residents not to hand over money to anyone who asks for an upfront payment before awarding compensation.

If consumers have responded to one of these cold calls they should report the matter to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 . They should also contact their bank to stop their debit / credit card.

If you require free, independent and impartial advice on saving energy visit the Energy Saving Trust at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk