Hard-up Scots are being warned after an energy bill support scheme scam surfaced as winter approaches. Texts are being sent out from a number posing as the UK Government, telling residents that they are eligible for a discounted energy bill.
The crooks aim to trick Scots struggling to cope during the cost-of-living crisis by saying they have been identified for an ' Energy Bill Support Scheme '. They are then urged to click a link through to a webpage that looks almost identical to the UK Government site.
The website even includes information on the Queen's death as its near-flawless design is aimed to trick even the most suspicious of Scots. Users are then asked to 'start now' to register and 'receive a £400 non-repayable discount' under the scheme.
A Scottish Power logo then appears, with folk asked to enter the details linked to their account. One person, who received the text, posted screenshots on social media and said: "Please be VERY CAREFUL and DO NOT give any details to anything that asks for all your card or bank details. New scam doing the rounds just now."
A woman, from Aberdeenshire, replied: "I got three of these text in two days. I forwarded them 7726 which is a free service the government use to report scam text and calls."
Another commented: "Had about four in there days and deleted them all. It's a shame some people fall for it."
A third added: "They will catch a lot of elderly people out who are confused enough with energy situation they have no shame."
The UK Government confirmed to the Record that this is indeed a scam. A spokesperson said nobody needs to apply for the Energy Bills Support Scheme or contact their energy supplier - they get it through their energy bill.
The spokesperson added that cyber criminals are "opportunistic" and will use issues like rising energy bills to try and trick people into sharing their financial or personal details. In all cases, no household should be asked for bank details at any point and ministers are urging consumers to stay alert of potential scams and report them when they are suspected.
People who think they have received malicious correspondence should forward suspect texts to 7726. If you believe you are the victim of online fraud, you can report this to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.
More advice on how to stay secure online can be found at www.cyberaware.gov.uk. To find out more information on the Energy Bills Support Scheme, click here.
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