Ofgem has issued a warning over a surge in scam text messages pretending to offer the government's £400 energy bill discount. The fake texts, which appear to come from GovUK, tell recipients they are eligible for the Energy Bills Support Scheme and provide a link to apply. However, the discount is automatic and does not require any application or bank details.
The energy regulator confirmed it has seen an increase in reports of scammers attempting to trick people into registering their bank details. The messages have been sent from various numbers, some claiming to be from 'UK Help' or 'Help Scheme'. The link leads to a fraudulent website designed to steal personal or financial information.
Social media users have reported receiving multiple texts, with one saying: 'Just received a text message telling me I'm eligible for the GOVT energy support scheme... Doesn't take long for the next scam to jump on the bandwagon.' MPs from both parties have also warned constituents, with Conservative MP Caroline Dinenage stating: 'This is a scam.'
The warning comes as fraud offences have risen 25% since pre-pandemic levels, with nearly two-thirds of the 4.5 million offences recorded in the year to March 2022 being cyber-related. Ofgem urged consumers to be vigilant and not to respond to any messages requesting bank details.
