Consumer group Which? has issued a warning to UK households about potential scams linked to the government's new Household Energy Payment, a £100 support payment for those in Council Tax bands A to D announced in the Autumn Budget.
Which? cautioned that criminals may try to "captalise" on the scheme, using phishing emails and texts designed to trick people into sharing personal details that could be used for fraud. The group warned: "These scams have said that you’re entitled to hundreds of pounds to support with energy costs and led to phishing websites designed to look like the official government site."
How the payment works
Up to 20 million households are expected to receive the payment, which will be made from January 2027 and paid directly into bank accounts. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: "If you pay by direct debit and live in bands A to D, you don’t need to do anything – the rebate will be paid directly into your bank account."
For those who do not pay by direct debit, the council will invite them to apply for the rebate directly. The department added: "Nobody other than your council should get in touch asking you to claim the rebate. Only give out your personal information if you are certain it is your local council contacting you. If you’re unsure whether a message is genuine, double check with your council."
How to report scams
Anyone who receives a suspicious message can report scam emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk and scam texts to 7726. The warning follows the government's announcement that the £100 payment will help households with energy costs, with payments expected to begin in January 2027.
