Fraudsters are using scam energy texts in a bid to cash in on the cost of living crisis. Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting centre, has issued a warning about false text messages claiming to be from the UK government.
The texts state the recipient is eligible for an energy bill discount as part of the Energy Bill Support Scheme. Anyone who clicks on the link within the text is directed to a website asking for personal and financial information.
It is the latest in a series of scams preying on individuals during the cost of living crisis, PlymouthLive reports. At the start of September, more than 1,500 reports were made to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau about scam emails pretending to be from Ofgem about energy bills.
Action Fraud said: "Scam warning. We've received 139 reports about scam text messages relating to the Energy Bills Support Scheme."
"You DO NOT need to apply for the scheme, or provide any bank details. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (it's free)."
There is no need to apply for the energy bill discount - those with a domestic electricity meter point who pay for energy via standard credit, a payment card, or direct debit, will receive an automatic discount applied to their energy bill. A discount will be applied over the course of six months and will total £400.
Prepayment meter customers will be provided with discount vouchers during the first week of each month throughout the six-month duration. This will be issued by text, email, or post depending on the household's contact preferences. At no point will consumers be asked for their bank details.
Anyone who receives one of the scam messages is advised to avoid clicking on the link included and to forward the text on to the number 7726. This forwarding message will be free and sends the message to the mobile phone provider, who can investigate and potentially block the number.
For more information, visit the Cyber Aware website.
