Plastic ‘eco-plugs’ promoted on social media or through unsolicited phone calls often fail to deliver, or when they do, they lack any real benefits. Moreover, these products can pose serious safety risks.
As energy costs climb and winter approaches, imagine a device that plugs into the wall and claims to reduce your electricity bill by enhancing the efficiency of your home appliances. Alternatively, consider installing a “voltage regulator” that purportedly slashes energy expenses by nearly one-third.
The truth, however, is that these so-called “energy-saving plugs” or “eco plugs” are, at best, ineffective and merely add to your expenses with a worthless piece of plastic. At worst, they pose a hazard and fail to meet basic electrical safety norms.
During this time of year, when energy expenses are a significant concern, numerous scams related to energy bills emerge. These can range from fraudulent energy rebate SMS, messages claiming eligibility for governmental financial aid, to impostors at your door pretending to be from the energy regulator Ofgem, needing to update your personal information.
According to Siobhan Blagbrough, financial crime manager at Ocean Finance, these plug-in devices that claim to influence electrical flow could cause significant physical harm, if they even arrive after purchase.
“These scams typically involve plug-in devices, magnetic meters, or ‘voltage regulators’ that promise to reduce household bills by 30% or more. The marketing behind these products is often deceptive, featuring fake Trustpilot reviews or bogus ‘expert endorsements’, yet the devices either do nothing or are actually dangerous,” she explains.
Some unlucky consumers spend hundreds on a gadget that never gets delivered. Others receive a poor-quality, hazardous electrical item that may overheat or ignite fires. In the most severe scenarios, criminals exploit the purchase process to steal card details for further fraudulent activities.
These plug-in devices, often priced under £10, claim to save you money by efficiently managing electricity supply, thus reducing your electricity bill.
Despite failing basic UK safety standards, these devices are widely available online. The consumer advocacy group Which? has flagged numerous listings earlier this year, which were subsequently removed. However, almost identical products resurfaced a few weeks later.
“If a device really could significantly reduce energy bills, it would be sold by major retailers and endorsed by reputable consumer organizations. The fact that it’s sold via social media or through cold calls should be a major warning sign,” Blagbrough adds.
Identifying the Scam
The products are often marketed as “eco-plus” or “energy saving plugs” and sold through social media or cold calls, sometimes accompanied by fake endorsements.
Frequently, the transactions are outright scams, with customers receiving nothing after their payment is processed. Alternatively, the payment details may be used by the scammers for additional criminal activities.
When the plastic devices do arrive, they often exhibit subpar soldering, excessive amounts of lead, and are generally unsafe. An investigation by Which? revealed that some of these devices had pins that were too short or broke off easily.
Recommended Actions
Exercise caution when purchasing items online, particularly from social media ads.
If you encounter an ad with misleading claims or products, report it to the platform where it is being sold and to your local trading standards office.
“For real home efficiency improvements, stick with proven methods like insulation updates, boiler adjustments, or installing smart thermostats,” advises Blagbrough.
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