Energy Bills Support Scheme Scam Text
The messages claim that the recipient is entitled to an energy rebate payment or a reduced energy bill as part of a government programme and provide links for the recipient to use to apply for the rebate. The links will take you to malicious websites that will steal your personal and financial information.
“It’s really sad to see scammers trying to cash in on the cost-of-living crisis with these messages,” said Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Powys County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys.” They are being sent at a time when most people are expecting to receive genuine assistance with their energy bills, making them particularly vulnerable to this type of deception.
“Please be on your guard for these con artists, who are always on the lookout for a change in circumstances to exploit. Always double-check before clicking on a link in an email or text message, or before handing over any personal or financial information.”
Reference: powys.gov.uk
Image Source: Twitter
How To Protect Yourself?
When you receive an untrustworthy message, there are several red flags to look for. The link in the preceding example is not from an official government website. You should also keep an eye out for grammatical errors. If you have any concerns about a text or email requesting personal information, contact the organisation directly. Action Fraud advises against using the numbers or addresses contained in the message. Visit the official website instead. It is critical to remember that your bank (or any other official source) will never request personal information via email.
Reference: The Sun
What To Do If You Have Been Scammed?
Call your bank right away at the number on the back of your card. Inform Action Fraud, either online or by calling 0300 123 2040. (Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm).
It will notify the police and provide you with a crime reference number. Some banks provide automatic refunds, but this varies.
According to current rules, if you did not authorise the payment, you should receive a refund as long as you did not act fraudulently or with “gross negligence,” such as giving away your PIN number or password.
Some banks, including Barclays, Santander, and HSBC, signed a voluntary scam code in 2019, which was launched in 2019.
TSB has a fraud refund guarantee in place, which states that it will refund you if you are clearly an innocent victim of a scam. Millions of Ovo Energy customers will receive the £400 rebate in their bank accounts starting this weekend.
On September 1, the company announced a £50 million support package for its most vulnerable customers.
Reference: The Sun
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