This has prompted the City of Westminster Trading Standards Service to open an investigation. They’re investigating a fraudulent model SD 001 scam that uses energy-saving plugs that don’t completely save energy. Millions of complaints have been received in recent years of unsolicited, often predatory, outbound telemarketing calls. These callers purport to sell products produced by MacroPlus, located in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. The Trading Standards Institute (TSI) has fielded over 200 complaints. Consumers told us their scammers mostly impersonized their energy providers.
Authorities have identified four specific suppliers linked to this scam: 1 Stop Marketing Solutions, ITC Development Corp, Power Saver, and Athico Ltd. It is important for consumers to note that Power Saver Ltd, based in Tonbridge, Kent, is not involved in this fraudulent activity. Our investigation revealed that these contractors run overseas call centers. This find is yet another factor that complicates attempts to shave the chase.
Scammers are regularly known to use a London W1, Oxford street address. This address is registered to a “virtual” office provider and not a real place of business. This tactic serves to obfuscate consumers. Many of the names in the scheme bear a striking resemblance to bona fide companies.
Additionally, Trading Standards have warned that there are other, still unknown suppliers under the radar in the UK. To that end, they call on all who have answered these unsolicited, unwanted calls to demand action right away. Consumers need to make sure they report their experiences through Action Fraud’s website or by calling the national helpline on 0300 123 2040. Further, they should contact their financial institutions to stop any payments that were made through debit or credit cards.
What our investigation found was absolutely infuriating. Even the director of Athico Ltd got caught up in this scam, demonstrating how deep the fraud has sunk. People throughout the UK are allegedly giving away the appliances at issue. It is upon consumers to continue to be on the lookout and defend themselves.
Given these new circumstances, we have decided to file a safety recall. This holds true for the things we have been able to follow so far. As you can tell, the TSI is still riding this one closely. They really want consumers to beware when receiving unsolicited offers for energy-saving equipment.