Warning over scam messages to support an energy bill

People are being warned to look out for fake texts and emails claiming to offer discounts on energy bills.

Along with the number of other scams, there appear to be some from the energy regulator Ofgem. The government announced that a £400 energy bill discount will be available to all households. But this discount will be automatic and no person should give away personal details in order to apply. Energy bills have been rising sharply in the UK. Though, the government since has said that typical household energy bills will be capped at £2,500 annually until 2024 but a forecast says that it could reach £4,200 in 2023.

Ofgem requested energy suppliers to be clearer on potential customer fraud on their websites. The fraud messages invite people to apply for the £400 "non-repayable discount".  It also instructs to follow a link to a fake Ofgem website to provide the recipient’s personal details. It encourages people to set up debit directly to receive the money.

According to an Ofgem spokesperson, protecting consumers is the top priority. He added that vulnerable customers are being preyed upon with such tricks when people are already struggling.  In the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, more than 1,500 reports have been made about scam emails regarding energy rebates purporting to be from Ofgem.