Householders warned to be vigilant over energy support voucher scams
People expecting £600 energy support scheme vouchers have been urged by police to be vigilant for potential scams.
Householders who pay their electricity bills by direct debit will receive the £600 directly into their bank accounts.
However, thousands of others will receive the payment via a voucher which will be posted to their house to be redeemed at a Post Office.
The rollout of the vouchers started in Northern Ireland on Monday.
Chief Superintendent Gerard Pollock said the rollout of the scheme in Great Britain was targeted by scammers, and he expects similar attempts in Northern Ireland.
He said an email, text message or phone call about the £600 payment will be a scam.
"People who pay their bills quarterly, or use pre-payment meters, will receive these vouchers in the post, along with an accompanying letter," he said.
"If this applies to you, but you receive an email, a text message or a phone call about the vouchers, purporting to be from Post Office NI, it's a scam. Please do not let yourself be caught out."
Chief Superintendent Pollock urged people to make themselves aware of what to do if they're targeted in a scam.
"I would expect criminals to be trying to exploit our Northern Ireland scheme," he said.
"The easiest way to stop a scam is to apply these five rules.
"If you receive a call out of the blue or believe it to be suspicious, hang up the call immediately and never call the number back; always delete texts requesting personal information or bank account details; never click on links in text messages, or respond to unsolicited texts; never ever transfer money at the request of someone you do not know.
"We'd also encourage families to discuss this advice with relatives who may be vulnerable. Having a conversation and raising awareness about how to stop the scammers could make all the difference."
If you've been targeted by a scammer and have lost money, call police on 101 to report it, or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ and report it to your bank immediately.
You can also make a report to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Information and advice is also available at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni