On Wednesday March 6, Enedis once again focused on the hacking of electricity meters. This fraud consists of manipulating the household’s electricity consumption, thus leading to a reduction in the energy bill.
The modus operandi of this fraud is very simple. The criminals travel to consumers’ homes, pose as maintenance agents sent by Enedis and carry out illicit adjustments. They will tamper with the meter, so that it only counts a small part of the home’s energy consumption.
Result: the energy bill is reduced, to the delight of customers. Enedis therefore launched an alert, through a press release published on March 6, affirming that these agents do not represent the electricity distribution network. Enedis describes these frauds as “ dangerous and illegal modifications to its customers’ electrical panel, thus distorting their electricity consumption “.
The group explains, on the other hand, that it “ does not carry out any commercial canvassing “. Likewise, he assures that he “does not sells any product or service that would alter the integrity of its customers’ electrical panel in order to partially or totally reduce the amount to pay for the electricity they have consumed “. In this same press release, the company recalls that its interventions “ are always subject to a calling notice or an appointment previously agreed with the customer “.
Enedis threatens consumers complicit in fraud with prosecution
At a time when energy costs continue to increase and faced with the end of certain subsidies, many consumers may be tempted by this fraud. The company declares that it systematically files a complaint and points out that energy theft can result in heavy criminal penalties, up to a fine of 1 million euros and 10 years’ imprisonment for the offense of gang fraud. organized crime, as well as other offenses provided for in the Penal Code. People who illegally modify meters can be prosecuted, as can those who accept this fraud, including Enedis customers.
In the same press release, the company invites its customers to report these fraudulent actions, by calling a dedicated platform on 09 70 83 19 70. If in doubt, customers can also contact the Fraud Repression Department (DGCCRF). Enedis also wanted to point out the work it is supporting and which is “ electrical connection, installation of Linky meters, recording of electricity consumption, electrical troubleshooting following a power outage, and commissioning of an electricity contract at the request of energy suppliers “.