Widnes resident reported a man in his 20s had called at his house claiming to be reading their smart meter for Economy Energy.
Halton Borough Council Trading Standards Officers have put a warning out for residents to be vigilant.
He asked the man for ID. When the door step caller started getting annoyed, the resident rang Economy Energy to check the callers details.
They confirmed that they hadn’t sent anyone out to read their smart meter. The caller then fled when the resident questioned him further.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “Energy company staff will all have ID badges. If you receive a visit from a door step caller claiming to be from your energy company, ask to see their ID before letting them in.
“If they can’t show their ID card, refuse to let them in. If you are suspicious or are not expecting a visit, contact your energy company. If they haven’t sent anyone out, report the incident to Cheshire Police on 101.”
Halton Borough Council provides “No cold calling” cards free of charge. They can be picked up from any Halton Direct Link Office.
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.