An urgent email and text warning has been issued to UK households, as scammers try to cash in on the upcoming energy price rise.
Millions are expected to be hit with force by the October gas and electricity surge, and cyber criminals are attempting to trick vulnerable consumers into a false sense of security by offering money back on bills.
The elusive scam comes in the form of a 'GOV.UK' style email or SMS, with recipients alerted that they are eligible for a discount under the Energy Support Scheme.
Read more: Four ways greedy scammers are cashing in on cost of living crisis
A link then features with anyone clicking it being redirected to a false UK Government website promising a £400 bill refund, reports The Express. This is where the scammers attempt to siphon personal information and details, like addresses, phone numbers, and bank credentials.
Although these attacks have been preying on vulnerable users over the space of the past month, a recent spike in fake messages has seen over 1,500 people report that they have been targeted to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. With the price rise expected to come October 1, it's expected that more cyber attacks will continue to land in inboxes and mobile phones - so now is a valuable time to become more aware of vicious spams and scams.
Speaking about the latest attack, energy regulator Ofgem said: "It is alarming that vulnerable customers are being preyed upon in this way when people are already struggling so much. On top of issuing our own warnings and advice, we have asked all energy suppliers to ensure clear and up-to-date information on scams is easily accessible on their websites.
"We take these attempts to exploit consumers very seriously."
According to the BBC, sites sending out scam messages include:
• energy-bill-online.com
• myenergybillonline.com
• rebate-ogem.com
• totalsolutions24-7.co.uk
If you receive a message from any of the accounts above it's wise to double check before clicking links of handing over any details.
Ofgem has also issued advice for consumers with the regulator saying: "Scammers may sometimes contact you pretending to be from Ofgem. For example, a scammer might call saying they are from Ofgem, suggest you switch and then ask for your bank details.
"These are energy scams. Ofgem would never sell you energy, ask for personal information or come to your property."
Read next:
- Energy companies announce how customers will get £400 rebate this winter
- £150 cost of living payment coming this month for people claiming PIP and DLA
- Prepay customers warned they may miss out on £400 energy vouchers
- Universal Credit claimants 'skipping meals to survive' warns foodbank amid cost of living crisis
- Householders urged to claim £150 grant 'as soon as possible' as deadline looms
