Lib Dem Councillor Fights to Protect Residents in local Gas Supplier Fraud

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 10th Jun 2008

Lib Dem Councillor Gary Malcolm working with the local police team

Local Lib Dem councillor for Southfield ward has written to many residents, particularly those in Ivy Crescent and Bollo Lane after he heard that a vulnerable elderly resident had her gas supply changed without her permission.

It turns out that the male who visited Ivy Crescent forged her signature after she said she didn't want to change gas supplier.

Since the letters were hand delivered over the weekend I have had three people contact me already - one of them saying: "We have been visited on three occasions in the past month by gas suppliers from different companies, two of whom have been very pushy." The resident also added that the person visiting last time had lied when giving information about one gas supplier.

Cllr Gary Malcolm said: "When the lady called me to report the problem I wondered how many others have suffered like her. I then decided to write to other residents nearby to give them information on what they can do to report illegal activity by gas suppliers."

Gary added: "This industry is riddled with fraudulent managers and door knocking salespeople. Just ask Watchdog who have a long, long list. People caught doing this need to face tough action as they really do cause problems for a lot of people."

For those who may have suffered from a fraud like this they can contact the following two regulators who can help you swap suppliers back and gain an appology and compensation for the trouble you may have suffered:

• ENERGY WATCH - a regulator who provides free and impartial advice - and can take up your case if you feel you're being treated unfairly by your gas or electricity supplier. Their lo-call phone number is 0845 906 0708 and website is www.energywatch.org.uk

• THE ENERGY SUPPLY OMBUDSMAN - additional help with transfer related disputes. This includes making complaints against supply companies that are members of its service, as well as helping to receive an apology and a financial award. So if you have exhausted your suppliers complaints process or if your complaint is more then 8 weeks old then they can be contacted on 0845 055 0760 or by email on enquiries@energy-ombudsman.org.uk.