Consumer rights experts at Which? have issued a warning to anyone who receives an email seemingly from Ofgem or about the energy bill rebate scheme. This comes as many are expecting help from the Government with the cost of living - meaning they may be easily misled by scammers.
Cybercriminals are using the rocketing rates of inflation as a way to target those who are most vulnerable. Emails using the Ofgem logo and branding are claiming to offer an 'energy bill rebate scheme', directing recipients to a fake online portal.
Once there, victims are asked to share personal and payment details in order to claim their refund. Which? says the email explains you can claim a £200 discount on energy bills this Autumn and a £500 Council Tax Rebate.
Usually, the email also claims that you have to apply before September. Victims are confronted with a webform on the fake site, in order to 'set up a direct debit'. Liverpool Echo explains initially requests your full name, date of birth and email address.
However it later also asks for bank payment card details. Which warns: "Anyone providing these details to the scam site is likely to find their card fraudulently debited and would also be at grave risk of their identity and online accounts being taken over. Both Which? and Ofgem have reported this scam website to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)."
How to spot a scam energy rebate email:
Legitimate emails from the regulator will always come from an address ending '@ofgem.gov.uk'. The regulator has also published a guide with tips on how to tell genuine Ofgem communications from false ones.
The email addresses to look out for:
Which provided a list of email addresses that are known for sending spoof emails. Here are some that you should be cautious of:
- info@rebate-ogem.com
- info@totalsolutions24-7.co.uk
- reservations@expedicar.ro
- info@globalskyward.com
