NORTH Lincolnshire residents are being warned of a scam involving them paying double for electricity meter top-ups.

Energy companies and Consumer Focus, the consumer watchdog, are warning an estimated 85,000 households have been affected by a doorstep scam that seems to offer cheaper electricity meter top-ups, but ends up with consumers paying twice.

With this warning, energy companies are launching a national campaign, Top Up Safe, urging electricity prepayment meter customers to buy top-ups only through official channels.

Christine McGourty, director at Energy UK, which represents all the leading energy companies, said: "Energy companies can detect the fraud and you will end up paying twice for your electricity, first to the criminal and then again to your energy company.

"It is essential you only top-up your electricity meter from recognised PayPoint or Payzone shops or the Post Office."

Further information can be found at www.topupsafe.com Customers can contact their electricity company or Consumer Direct on 0845 4040506.