Energy bill rebate scam warning to Cheshire residents
Some reported messages claiming to be from the Government
There’s a warning of scam texts offering help with energy bills to some people across Cheshire.
It’s as residents reported messages claiming to be from the Government inviting them to apply for the £400 discount under their support scheme.
However, the £400 will be paid automatically through a non-repayable grant with no need to apply.
Funding will be given in six instalments, with the first two instalments of £66 paid in October and November, followed by four payments of £67 from December to March.
How you’ll receive the discount depends on how you pay for your energy. You’ll get the discount monthly, even if you pay for your energy quarterly or use a payment card.
Cheshire West Councillor Karen Shore, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategy Transport, said:
"Please watch out for fake text messages claiming to be from the Government, inviting you to apply for the £400 energy discount. It's a scam – the £400 will be paid automatically. You do not need to apply.
"This scam has been widely reported, the messages invite people to apply for the £400 'non-repayable discount' and instruct the recipient to follow a link to a fake website to provide personal details. It then encourages people to set up a direct debit to receive the money."
People targeted are being asked to report activity to the police through Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.