We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Approached about my electricity meter number
I've just answered the door to a young man with a clipboard and some form of identity security tag round his neck asking to take details of my electricity meter type and number.
When I queried why he should be doing this he told me it was instructions from the local generating company in the region, namely Scottish Power. I asked why they needed this information as my account was with BG but he just re-iterated the same information that it was SP who were seeking it for their records.
When he could see that I was not going to let him take the information he backed off and said it did not matter - my neighbour who had come out of his house to see what was going on also sent him away.
I noted that he went along all of the houses in our road and that people did let him in without any queries. I was concerned that he did not offer his security tag to show me who he was employed by, nor would he answer that question directly.
Do people think this was some form of con-trick or a way of gaining access to houses to suss them out for burglary, or is it likely that a generating company would want to know details of the meters at individual addresses. - Surely, it would be easier and cheaper for them to ask British Gas, and the other providers, for this info directly.
When I queried why he should be doing this he told me it was instructions from the local generating company in the region, namely Scottish Power. I asked why they needed this information as my account was with BG but he just re-iterated the same information that it was SP who were seeking it for their records.
When he could see that I was not going to let him take the information he backed off and said it did not matter - my neighbour who had come out of his house to see what was going on also sent him away.
I noted that he went along all of the houses in our road and that people did let him in without any queries. I was concerned that he did not offer his security tag to show me who he was employed by, nor would he answer that question directly.
Do people think this was some form of con-trick or a way of gaining access to houses to suss them out for burglary, or is it likely that a generating company would want to know details of the meters at individual addresses. - Surely, it would be easier and cheaper for them to ask British Gas, and the other providers, for this info directly.
0
Comments
-
The normal scam is for these people to get your meter number and then sign you up for their gas and electricity(they forge your signature).
It often takes weeks before you know what has happened, and months more to sort it out, and by then have got their commission and moved on - it ain't a job for life!!
Not saying that is what the guy was doing, but it is a strong possibility.0 -
I agree with Cardew.
I worked, for a short period of time, for NPower in their agent complaints dept.
The dodgy agent would try and trick a customer into providing information, so that they could get a "sale", which often wouldn't come to light for weeks/months.
I would report this agent, by calling 0845 2700 700 and ask for "agent complaints" dept. Tell them your street address and time of the event. If possible provide the agents details. They should take it seriously.I'm a nutter :j0 -
However it really isn't worth their time unless they get your bank details for setting up a direct debit too which is a bit strange.0
-
When receiving nice surprise callers like this ask if it ok for you to take picture of them in case it later becomes pertinent to a criminal investigation and guage the reaction.Would you ask the wolves to look after the sheep?
CCCS funded by banks0 -
A lot of people in more modern houses have external meter boxes - so its not a problem to get someone's meter number anyway. Without Bank details........0
-
You don't have to pay for gas/electric by direct debit - so its not about that.
Its about these sneaky salesmen tricking people into having their gas/electric moved over - they get commision for the "sale" and the customer is left having to deal with the consequences of having their supply moved to another company without their consentI'm a nutter :j0 -
No you don't but the gas and electric companies are wanting everyone to do so. They are focusing on their sales channels and their are strict targets for signing up customer by direct debit. A lot of their commission will depend on if they get dual fuel and mainly if they get the customer to sign up by direct debit.skintandsad wrote: »You don't have to pay for gas/electric by direct debit - so its not about that.
Its about these sneaky salesmen tricking people into having their gas/electric moved over - they get commision for the "sale" and the customer is left having to deal with the consequences of having their supply moved to another company without their consent0 -
sounds dodgy to me - if they want that info the generating company in the area has other ways of getting it, call the following number to ask if he guy was genuine and if they were collecting this info on the door 0845 272 7999 this is the number for Scottish power distribution net work for electricity,
There is no reason why a generator company would actually need your details as a generator feeds the power into the grid rather than has contact with end users. The only people that would need that is the supplier.I am responsible me, myself and I alone I am not the keeper others thoughts and words.0 -
Easily solved by the energy companies...don't pay commission for two months..or at least keep some back.0
-
brewerdave wrote: »A lot of people in more modern houses have external meter boxes - so its not a problem to get someone's meter number anyway. Without Bank details........
I think you're saying (correct me if I'm wrong) that because they don't have bank details it's not a problem?
Well I had the same scenario as the OP; we had just moved into our new home and the day after I answered a knock at the door. A meter reader was at the door going through his notes on his clip board (an obvious prop to make him look more realistic). Looking at me and his notes he explained that he had come to read the meter as it "had not been read for a couple of years". I was not aware of this scam so I escorted him to the meter. He read it and was gone. When my missus returned I mentioned it to her and she said that was strange as she had phoned in the meter readings yesterday to British Gas (who do both gas & elec). A few weeks later we received a letter from Npower addressed to 'the New Customer'. It was an estimated bill. I was f***in' fuming!! :eek:
Anyway, called BG, and got our account re-instated. In the following couple of weeks we received another couple of bills from npower, which I didn't open. I simply wrote on the envelope 'return to sender - am not, never have been, never will be, a new f***in' customer'!!!Marching On Together
I've upped my standards...so up yours!
0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 351.6K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 454K Spending & Discounts
- 244.6K Work, Benefits & Business
- 600K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 177.3K Life & Family
- 258.3K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards