Alert sounded over energy rebate scams

Ofgem has said it has received almost 1,400 reports about scams relating to the energy bill discount that households are due to receive in October.

In light of the threat, the regulator has written to suppliers to ensure they have up to date information for their customers.

The measure was first announced in February by former chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of a £9.1 billion support package to help struggling households cope with the cost-of-living crisis. It was originally designed as a £200 rebate on electricity bills that would repaid through subsequent bills in £40 instalment over the five years. It was later altered by Sunak in May to a non-repayable £400 discount as part of a £15 billion package of additional support.

In most cases, the discount is expected to be applied automatically. However, Ofgem has issued a warning after consumers were targeted by fraudsters posing as energy suppliers, who said they must apply for the grant via the regulator and asked them to hand over personal information.

There are rising reports of text, email and phone scams impersonating energy firms.

For example, from thieves saying your energy supply has switched and asking for your payment details.

Find some advice on what to do here ⤵️https://t.co/Z6EG4Nt73m https://t.co/WVE1yuieVx pic.twitter.com/Tg8ek9kHuj

— Ofgem (@ofgem) July 18, 2022

Ofgem told Utility Week that it has so far received a total of 1,391 reports from customers regarding suspicious emails and texts about applying for the rebate.

A spokesperson for the regulator said it is working with the National Cyber Security Centre to prevent the malicious attacks.

They added: “Protecting consumers is our top priority and it is alarming that vulnerable customers are being preyed upon in this way when people are already struggling so much. As the ONS confirms, just one in seven frauds are reported to the police or Action Fraud.

“That’s why, as energy regulator, on top of issuing our own warnings and advice, we have written to all energy suppliers and asked them to ensure clear and up to date information on scams is easily accessible on their websites so that consumers can easily take action.”