RESIDENTS are being warned to be on their guard for scammers who claim to be able to top-up electricity meters on your doorstep.

Around 2,500 people in Barnet are believed to have been caught out by the conmen who claim to offer cut-price top-ups for prepayment energy meters.

Although the initial readings on the meters show they keys have been charged the credit is not real and people are forced to pay again for their power.

Some people have also reported the criminals using intimidating behaviour to get into their homes and get access to the meters.

Christine McGourty, Director of Energy UK, said: “The people selling these illegal top-ups are criminals and although it might seem like an easy way to save money, not only will you be letting a criminal into your home, you will end up having to pay twice.

“The only people benefiting from this scam are the fraudsters and the only way to get the energy you pay for is to buy top-ups from official PayPoint and Payzone retailers or the Post Office.”