Powergen Scammers

JordanShannon

Hiya everyone,

I had to post this to warn people about fake powergen 'employees'.
My nan called me in a bit of a panic, saying some man with an official looking powergen fabric tag had knocked on her door claiming to be sent to read her gas and electricity meter, she isn't even with powergen!!! :mad: She told him to leave her alone she then shut the door on him where he stod continually knocking on the door. Both me and my mum jumped in the car and drove to her place, he had fleed, but it left my nan shaken none the less!! I've had other people tell me the same kind of thing has happened mainly to the over 60's.
I have a pending report to watchdog and I really don't want someone to fall for their scams, so please, please, please don't let anyone in if they look suspicious especially if you live in Kent.

xx

spiro

You need to be aware that who is your supplier and who reads the meter are very rarely the same company. If you take British Gas as an example, depending on were you live Accuread, Siemens or Metering Services could turn up to read the meter and not one would be in a BG uniform. If your nan has not had the gas meter read in nearly two years they may be trying to do a 'must inspect' which means they will become very persistent. If she is worried about letting people into the house she can call her supplier and get a password set up which the reader would need to quote to her giving more piece of mind.

mattymoo

Well the clue might be the fact that Powergen no longer exist - they are Eon now. Sounds like a scammer to me.

tanith

I had a guy from I think he said Southern Electric yesterday, very plausibly explaining how my electricity came from them but was just supplied to me by Scottish Power at a much higher Tarriff than SE.. so I asked him what he wanted ? He just kept repeating the same spiel till I tried to shut the door on him when he incredulously said "you mean you really want to stay on a much higher tarriff?" I said yes thanks... but I can fully understand how these guys persuade vulnerable people to switch by making it sound mad not to...
Oh I am over 60 by the way , vulnerable people can be any age...

Plushchris

Sounds like pretty standard fare from these doorstep sellers, they will ALWAYS tell you that they supply whoever you get your supply from and that by "cutting out the middle man" you will get it cheaper.

The best thing you can do is urge everyone you know not to even entertain these scum at the door. Some people on here call comparison sites parasites, at least they give you a better idea of who would actually be cheaper, these idiots that knock on your door just lie as soon as they open their mouths.

Premier_2

JordanShannon wrote: »

...I have a pending report to watchdog ...

Which watchdog? Wouldn't it have been more appropriate to inform the police?

As they were clearly con artists, what sanctions do you think a watchdog for power companies can take against the lawfully abiding companies they have any say over?

JordanShannon

I forgot to mention that the police have been informed on a number of occassions and their response is 'they are following it up'.
So i don't see what else i can do.

JordanShannon

Don't know about Accuread, have to admit i have never heard it before.. You could try Watchdog, or even ask the police?? I not sure if they have any details..
Sorry i'm really not much help
..xx

1carminestocky

Accuread are in evidence round our way and AFAIK they are meter readers for the Big 6.

Plushchris

Accuread are meter readers in some areas just like Siemens, the fact that he was carrying leaflets may just mean he was doing a bit of leaflet dropping on the side while he is out and about.

I wouldnt worry about it too much, if you want to check call your supplier and check with them if they have received a reading from Accuread.

jhp

Did he leave you a leaflet,if so who was it from?