Electricity bill too high? In the free market, it is always possible to change operators and opt for (possible) better conditions (unless you have signed contracts that guarantee certain rates but are linked to a minimum duration of the relationship). But be careful. In the switching phase, that is, the transition from one operator to another, there are pitfalls and the consumer is exposed to possible scams, with the possible activation of services not requested.
The possible scam also in this case passes through a phone call. The user data in this phase passes from one database to another. And in this step fraudulent transfers are not excluded. When the elements on our request end up in the wrong hands, the call becomes certain.
The National Consumers Union explains the mechanism. "Since we are in the switching phase, the consumer does not suspect that a call from the old or new operator is fraudulent, but believes that it is part of the procedure," it is explained, "after all, they know our data, so the call is authentic. How else would they know that we are changing operator?"
Once they have obtained the user's data during the switching phase, the UNC explains, "the scammers contact them by introducing themselves as representatives of the supplier or official bodies such as Arera, the Authority that regulates the energy sector, or the Ministry. All fraudulent phone calls have one thing in common: urgency. The scammers always try to push the victim to take action quickly, because if they don't, they will see their supply cut off or will have to pay a penalty."
During the interviews, data identifying the supply, such as the Pod, may be requested. And at that point, you may find yourself holding a contract that was never voluntarily activated.
"Often, you only discover that you have been scammed when you receive the first bill from the supplier you did not choose, weeks, but also months, after the phone call," the association warns. And the consumer, to add insult to injury, "must act quickly to file complaints and disavow the supplier and could also be forced to pay a penalty for early withdrawal from the previous supplier."
Therefore, never give information about the supply to unqualified operators or if you are not sure of an interaction with the relevant offices: it is always better to close the calls and personally contact the official numbers of companies or bodies in the electricity sector.
