Energy Bill Saving Cold Caller claiming this site backs them?

[Deleted User]

I answered a cold call as it was the 2nd time of them calling in a day - I was not prepared for them attempting and insistent to say this very site knows of them?
So Energy - 0208 187 1323
Apparently saving you money on your bill in changing your tariff.
Googling the phone number hasn't brought up fantastic results on the phone number reveal sites but there is a 'green' company by this name in London.

Tried saying I'm already in debt/agreed payment plan with Scottish Power and I can't see what good they could do.

QrizB

@So_Energy have an official representative on the forum, perhaps they can comment?

(The rep account hasn't been used since June so don't expect as speedy reply.)

Robin9

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5362225/add-your-feedback-on-energy-supplier-so-energy

[Deleted User]

Deleted User said:

I answered a cold call as it was the 2nd time of them calling in a day - I was not prepared for them attempting and insistent to say this very site knows of them?
So Energy - 0208 187 1323
Apparently saving you money on your bill in changing your tariff.
Googling the phone number hasn't brought up fantastic results on the phone number reveal sites but there is a 'green' company by this name in London.

Tried saying I'm already in debt/agreed payment plan with Scottish Power and I can't see what good they could do.

Price Comparison Websites should be aware of ALL energy suppliers. My advice: walk away and don’t answer anymore calls or attempt to contact them. You can get all the information that you need from either SO Energy’s website or via a Price Comparison Website.

niktheguru

Don't switch to a supplier during a cold call, regardless of what they say or which supplier they claim to be from. They could be the supplier, they could be scammers, they could be a 3rd party. Not worth the risk or gamble.

So energy are very good and I'm with them for gas. If you want to consider them see if they are competitive using the comparison websites or go to their website at so.energy . You can sign up from there!

QrizB

Seems a very dodgy call based on the reports below. Sounds like a scam.

https://who-called.co.uk/Number/02081871323

https://www.shouldianswer.co.uk/phone-number/02081871323

[Deleted User]

Thanks, I'll be sure to block their number as best I can as I did trying telling the guy why would I switch and want to risk the bother with existing supplier, I believe switching would just make things worse. 
Was quite cheeky telling me I should research them overnight when I would let them get a word in edgeways (LOL) but when no website appears to promote the very phone number they seemingly actively dial from (except whocallsme type sites) something isn't sitting right.

Many thanks again.

QrizB

Deleted User said:

...
Was quite cheeky telling me I should research them overnight when I would let them get a word in edgeways (LOL)...

You've done your research now, so you know what to tell him when he calls next

yelias

Deleted User said:

I answered a cold call as it was the 2nd time of them calling in a day - I was not prepared for them attempting and insistent to say this very site knows of them?
So Energy - 0208 187 1323
...

That is not the telephone number of So Energy that I recognise. The correct number is:

So Energy - 0330 111 5050 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm)

I suspect you, like thousands of others each day, have been the victim of attempted fraud.

Fraud epidemic 'is now national security threat'

Unfortunately, telephone numbering spoofing is very easy, and I understand it will be a number of years before the telecommunications industry changes their systems to make such spoofing much more difficult.
Until then, you need to be on your guard whenever you receive a call from a number you do not recognise. Chances are it originates from abroad, often from India

Common scams include:

Energy supplier / agent / consultant
Internet service provider (your internet will be disconnected)
Sky /SkyProtect / Virgin Media
HMRC (you are due a tax refund)
TV breakdown cover (not so common recently)

If you look at the links provided by @QrizB above, you will see the same telephone number has been used in connection with a call about tax in the past.

You can block the number if you wish, but these scammers usually change their spoofed number regularly, often within the same day.

I am currently being plagued by Chris / Matthew calling me about loft insulation. I believe they are actually calling from the UK (but I suspect not from Bournemouth), and more often than not use the number 01202 137 xxx, where xxx always changes, so that alone gives them 1000 different numbers to choose from and I'm not wasting my time blocking 1000 numbers.

It's a scam well known to Trading Standards across the country:
https://www.islandecho.co.uk/trading-standards-warn-of-loft-insulation-scam/
https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/news/article/1033/elderly-residents-targeted-by-loft-insulation-scam
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/scam-calls-warning-loft-insulation-suffolk-1517106
https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/wrexham-residents-loft-insulation-calls/
etc.

As you can see, it's been going on for well over a year, and Trading Standards are powerless to stop it, as they are unable to identify the real perpetrators.

If, as I strongly suspect, your call originates from overseas, there is no chance of anyone stopping them for many years, not until caller ID spoofing is made much more difficult.

If you wish to compare energy deals, consult one of the Ofgem accredited comparison sites yourself

But as you are aware, as you are currently in a payment plan with your supplier, changing supplier will not usually be possible until you have repaid the debt owed. But please ensure you are at least on the best tariff for you available from your current supplier.