A pensioner claims her identity has been used without her knowledge to set up a contract from an energy firm, despite her never contacting the company.

Julie McCarrick believes she has been the victim of a “scam” after receiving the npower contract – complete with her name, address and an incorrect telephone number – through the post.

The married 61-year-old, of Dockfield Lane, Shipley, says she has never spoken to the company and is happy with her supplier, Scottish Power.

She is now warning others to be wary.

Mrs McCarrick said: “First I was sent some light bulbs through the post, with a letter saying ‘welcome to npower’. Then I received the contract from them and when I called them, they said I had done it on the internet. I rarely even use the internet and my husband doesn’t know how to use it.

“I think it is a scam. Someone is using my identity without asking me and I want to make people aware.

“I am a pensioner and there must be some people who are older than me who will not know what is going on. The next thing they know, they have changed energy companies and could be paying more for their bills.”

Mrs McCarrick said that npower had agreed not to activate the contract as soon as she telephoned the company.

A spokesman for npower told the Telegraph & Argus: “We have reassured Mrs McCarrick that none of our sales advisors could have filled in the form – there is absolutely no need to do so as internet sales do not pay commission.

“Also, we have robust processes in place to stop customers from being signed up without their knowledge to safeguard them.

“The process involves a telephone-based validation call between npower and the customer – clearly, if there is an incorrect contact number, the sale will not be verified and the contract will never actually be set up.”

Last week, energy regulator Ofgem announced it is to fine npower £1.8 million after the supplier failed to take sufficient action to prevent mis-selling of energy contracts to customers.

Ofgem found that npower breached a supply licence condition by failing to take adequate steps following complaints from customers about visits by the company’s doorstep sales staff.

e-mail: marc.meneaud @telegraphandargus.co.uk