BE AWARE OF ENERGY BILL SUPPORT SCHEME SCAMS

3-10-2022 9:01

Orkney Housing Association Ltd has been made aware of scam text messages being circulated, claiming to be telling people how to claim the £400 energy bill support rebate.

The scam is coming in the form of text messages and also calls, some claiming to be from the UK Government and others from energy regulator Ofgem.
Energy Officer Robert Leslie, who himself received one of the texts, said: “Folk need to be alert to these scam messages, which claim to be from the UK Government, asking recipients to click a link on the message. The one I received read: "GOV-UK: Due to the Energy Bill Support Scheme, you are owed £400 under the discounted energy bill. You can apply here: and includes a link to click. It all looks very official, but given that these payments are automatic this is obviously a scam."
There are also reports of similar scam texts claiming to be from energy regulator Ofgem.
The energy bills support payment does not need to be applied for, and will be paid automatically by your energy company as bills go up from 1st October.
Following reports of the energy rebate message doing the rounds, the DWP took to Twitter to warn people, saying: "Watch out for scammers targeting people about Cost-of-Living Payments."
The DWP message continues to explain that if you are eligible:
• You do not need to apply for the payment.
• You do not need to call them.
• Payment to you is automatic.
• The DWP will never ask for personal details by SMS or email.
More information about financial help being provided by the DWP in their Cost of Living payments can be found at the link below.

Related link: DWP Cost of Living Payments