The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning that scammers are impersonating officials to offer fake energy bill support.
The Government body has warned the public in a post on X, stating: “Beware, if you get a text about an ‘Energy Support Scheme’, it’s a scam.”
The are advising anyone who has received the text to forward it to the government’s scam reporting service.
Scammers are sending text messages saying that the recipient has not sent their application for the 2024 to 2025 “fiscal year energy allowance”.
It goes on to say: “According to our records, you are eligible for the Energy Support Scheme and you may receive a grant of £200 to £300.”
The victim is told to quickly complete their application as: “Late applications will not be accepted, and the application channel will be permanently closed.”
A link to apply for the fake grant is included at the end of the message.
The department is urging the public to be extra cautious when clicking on links in messages and to avoid sharing personal or financial information unless dealing with a trusted or official source.
Martin Richardson, senior partner at National Fraud Helpline solicitors, said: “This scam plays on the fact that people who are struggling financially need extra money.
“These scams are more and more realistic. It really needs the telecom companies to help block these scam texts.”
Research by the National Trading Standards (NTS) found that the average loss experienced by UK fraud victims is around £1,730.
Its data also showed that 73 percent of adults in the country have been targeted by government impersonation scams, particularly ones that claim to be from departments such as HMRC.
The DWP has advised the public to forward suspicious text messages to 60599 and stressed that it will never request personal or payment details via text.
Have you lost money to an investment scam? Whatever the scam, contact National Fraud Helpline. Call 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.