Possible electricity scam targets elderly

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Young men may have been targeting the elderly in Auckland in a door-to-door electricity scam which urges people to hand over personal details.

Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner Judi Jones said she had received reports of men knocking on doors in an Otara housing complex for the elderly, urging people to change power companies.

One resident gave the men identification, bank details and signed a piece of paper, though she did not know which company they were from or what she had signed.

The Citizens Advice Bureau had put stops on her accounts and alerted other residents,

"In this case, it's not clear if the men were from an electricity company," Ms Jones said.

"Representatives should always provide identification for themselves and the company, and be prepared to leave written quotes."

People should ask lots of questions of door-to-door power marketers and take time to make a decision, Ms Jones said.

"There is not much argument for people to decide on the spot, and no reason at all to hand over personal information."

Anyone concerned about door-to-door marketers should try to get a company name to make a complaint and could ring the commissioner's office for information.

People wanting to change companies could get information from www.consumer.org.nz/powerswitch or phone around and ask for quote, Ms Jones said.

- NZPA