The government's £400 energy bill discount has been the latest focus for scammers. People are being warned to look out for fraudulent messages and calls from people claiming to be the energy regulator Ofgem.
One message circulating asks people to apply for the £400 ‘non-repayable discount’, and then sends a fake link to the Ofgem website which asks you to fill in personal details and set up a direct debit in order to receive the money.
How to Identify ‘Ofgem’ Scams
It's really important you are aware of the techniques that scammers are using to impersonate Ofgem, these include:
- knocking at your door
- a phone call
- approaching you on social media
- via email
- via text message
- pop up messages on a website
The BBC has identified the following sites as sending out scam messages:
- energy-bill-online.com
- myenergybillonline.com
- rebate-ogem.com
- totalsolutions24-7.co.uk
These are all scams targeting people who are worried about the cost of energy and how they will afford their bills. Ofgem do not sell energy. Ofgem will never request personal information, or visit your home. The £400 energy discount will be automatically applied by your supplier and as they already have your details you are not required to give your details to anyone. If someone tries to scam you report it to Action Fraud, the fraud and cybercrime reporting centre for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland phone the police on 101.
Eligibility for Energy Bills Support Scheme
All households with a domestic energy connection in Great Britain are eligible for this support scheme no application is necessary. Energy bills will be reduced by £66 in October and November 2022, this discount will then rise to £67 from December 2022 to March 2023.
Click here for information about the £400 discount and how it will be paid.
Click here for information on how to save money on your energy bills.
Stay Energy Safe
With electricity and gas bills soaring, it’s more important than ever to know about the dangers of energy theft, and the signs to spot it. Energy theft is a ticking time bomb and can put you, your family and your community in danger. Read more about the hidden dangers of energy theft. If you suspect energy theft, you can report your concerns, 100% anonymously, using our online form or calling the Stay Energy Safe line free on 0800 023 2777.