Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has urged people not give a false meter reading ahead of the new energy price cap.
On April 1 energy prices will rise by 54 per cent, throwing us into a cost of living crisis, experts warn.
The average yearly household energy bill will go up by an extra £693 for those on direct debit, while those on prepayment meters will see a staggering rise by £708.
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As the new costs loom, Martin Lewis and financial experts including Citizens Advice are telling people to put in their meter readings by March 31 so that you won't pay extra on the energy you used before the prices went up.
"It draws a line in the sand", Mr Lewis stressed on Good Morning Britain today.
But you might think you could pull the wool over your energy provider's eyes by inputting a lower meter reading.
Taking to Twitter, Martin Lewis wrote: "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?
"A. That's called fraud I'm afraid."
Energy companies can also send staff round to read meter readings to ensure they're charging you correctly, so you could get found out.
One replied to Mr Lewis and said: "I work for an energy company (sorry). They keep a record of your usage and any large jumps or drops get flagged up for investigation. It’s not worth the hassle I’m afraid, it will only get changed at some point."
It is also advisable to get into the habit of taking photos of your meter readings with the date on them to provide proof if you ever need to challenge your bill after March 31.
