Electrical fraud and its risks
Electricity fraud is a loss for everyone
It consists of the illicit alteration of an electrical installation in order to reduce, partially or totally, the amount to be paid for the energy consumed.
FRAUD AND SECURITY
Fraud poses a serious risk to the safety and health of people, both energy consumers and third parties who may be affected, because it is carried out outside the scope of electrical regulations, which entails a greater risk of electrocution, fire and even death. It also represents a risk for the operators who work in the installations, as they are not aware of the alteration to the installation. As a result of fraud, in recent years we have witnessed an increase in fires in homes, warehouses or garages which, on occasion, have caused injuries of various kinds and even loss of life.
FRAUD AND ITS ECONOMIC EFFECTS
- It has the effect of increasing your bill and that of all consumers as it is considered an additional cost of the national electricity system.
- Fraud affects the competitiveness of companies: it leads to unfair competition, as the fraudster sees his energy costs reduced and is, therefore, able to offer his products at lower prices.
- Fraud affects tax collection since the energy that is defrauded and therefore not invoiced involves taxes that the State does not collect.
- Furthermore, there is a clear correlation between electricity fraud and criminal activities such as drug dealing, house occupation, etc.