Action Fraud Warns Of Energy Rebate Scam
The UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, Action Fraud, has issued a warning to consumers over fake text message scams which claim to be from energy regulator Ofgem offering a £400 discount on bills.
The scam plays on an announcement by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak that the previous £200 energy bill rebate would be doubled and no longer needs to be repaid. The scam encourages people to follow a link to a fake Ofgem website and then asks them to provide personal details and set up a direct debit to receive the rebate.
Fraudsters have also been targeting consumers via email. Action Fraud says it has received around 750 reports of fake emails targeting consumers across just four days.
"The emails state that the recipient is eligible for a rebate as a result of a newly announced government scheme. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information,” Action Fraud warns.
