Britons have been warned to be vigilant for unsolicited calls, as fraudsters target the vulnerable with a new energy bill scam. As winter draws closer, cruel fraudsters capitalise on the various energy bill support schemes offered by the Government. They pose as officials and con people into sharing personal banking details.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the latest scheme targeted is the Warm Home Discount, which is worth £150 and is applied directly to people’s energy bills. In a new post on X from the DWP, it said: “Have you heard about the Warm Home Discount Scheme? If you’re eligible, the £150 credit will be automatically applied to your electricity account.
“If you get a call asking you to apply for the discount, it’s a scam.”
Fraudsters are also targeting winter fuel payment recipients. Data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) showed reports of scam texts more than doubled in the last week of September, when compared to the previous week.
The DWP reiterated that the winter fuel payment benefit will be made automatically, and the Government will never ask for bank details by text.
Anyone who receives a text message inviting them to apply for a payment should not engage with it and instead forward it to 7726.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “If you get a text message about winter fuel payments, it’s a scam. They will be made automatically, so you do not need to apply.
“These despicable attempts by criminals to target people are on the rise. We are raising awareness to make it harder for fraudsters to succeed. If you receive a suspicious message about winter fuel payments, don’t engage – forward it to 7726 and delete it immediately.”
Jonathan Silvester, HMRC’s digital defence lead, added: “Scammers target individuals by attempting to take your money or access your personal information. I’m urging you to stay alert to their pressure tactics.
“Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you relating to winter fuel payments, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.
“If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don’t give out private information or reply, and don’t download attachments or click on links. You can report any suspicious HMRC-related activity on GOV.UK, just search ‘report an HMRC scam’.”
