A warning has been issued after scammers pretending to be from Ofgem sent out text messages in a bid to steal hundreds of pounds.
From October, people will begin receiving £400 off their energy bills to help across the winter. The discount will be made in six instalments to help people cover costs as energy prices continue to rise.
However fraudsters are now taking advantage of this support by setting up a number of scams which look to steal people's hard-earned cash. Ofgem took to social media to say they received more reports of text, email and phones scams from thieves impersonating Ofgem.
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In one example, Ofgem shared a text which said: "You are eligible for the government funded £400.00 energy bill rebate. To complete your application, visit ofgem.secure-reg.com." The text includes a link to the fake Ofgem webpage.
Ofgem said: "They claim you can get your energy discount if you supply bank details. The discount is automatically applied to bills by suppliers." The government regulator said a scammer might call saying they are from Ofgem, suggest you switch and then ask for your bank details.
They might try to contact you by knocking at your door, phone call, social media, email, pop-up message on a website, instant message and text message. Ofgem added it would never sell people energy, ask for personal information or come to peoples property.
If people do receive one of these scams they are urged to report the scam to Action Fraud. If people have provided personal information such as bank details, they told to contact their bank immediately for help.
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