Martin Lewis has issued a warning over giving false meter readings as families face a cost of living crisis.
Previously, the Money Saving Expert founder issued advice for people to ensure that they read their meters before the price cap increases on April 1. He advised that if you take a meter reading on March 31, you can tell your energy provider exactly how much gas and electricity you used before the price cap increase.
Today, he has taken to Twitter to respond to a common question that he keeps being asked in regards to his advice. He explained the consequences of what it means for people who give false meter readings.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis' two day warning ahead of soaring energy bills
His Twitter post read: "Many asking me Q. Can I give a falsely inflated meter reading on 31 March - so I get more at the cheap rate that I use in April?" He answered the question as he added: "A. That's called fraud I'm afraid."
Crown Energy state that this would fall under meter fraud. Their website states: "Gas meter fraud, also known as gas meter cheating, involves sidestepping or falsifying the gas meter so that it doesn’t record the true amount of gas being consumed. Tampering with the meter is effectively cheating the meter as it gives false results so that you pay less (or nothing) for gas usage."
The same can apply to electric meters. Any form of cheating an energy company out of money could result in a fine or even imprisonment.
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