Householders are being warned about scam emails claiming to be from the energy regulator Ofgem. The emails state the recipient is due a rebate as part of a new Government scheme.
They contain links to genuine-looking websites which are designed to steal people's personal and financial information. Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, said it received 752 reports of the emails in just four days.
A spokesperson for Action Fraud said: "The emails state the recipient is eligible for a rebate as a result of a newly-announced Government scheme. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.
"Action Fraud has received 752 reports in four days relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem." Action Fraud also shared an image of what one of the fake emails looks like.
It stated it will "start making the payments in June 2022. This includes: A £200 discount on their energy bill this Autumn for domestic electricity customers. A £250 non-repayable Council Tax Rebate payment for all households that are liable for Council Tax".
The email included the Ofgem logo to make it appear more legitimate. Action Fraud said if anyone receives an email like this they should report it to report@phishing.gov.uk
