Did you receive a Ofgem Rebate Scam Email claiming to be from Ofgem directing you toclick a link to sign up for both a council tax rebate and an energy bill discount? Do you want to find out if this email is a scam or legit one? Read this review to find out why you should be wary of such email.
What is the Ofgem Rebate Scam Email
The scam mail is been sent by scammers with a link to the phishing website. The email, which is branded with the energy regulator’s logo, tells recipients they have until 1 June 2022 to claim an energy bill discount worth £200 and a non-repayable council tax rebate of £250. It encourages people to click a link, which directs them to a fake Ofgem-branded website where you’re asked to enter your personal details and set-up a direct debit to receive your council tax rebate.
It comes after the government announced details of a £150 council tax rebate earlier this year, to help ease the rising cost of energy bills. Last month saw energy prices rocket, with the average Brit paying more than double for their gas and electricity
The new scam involves criminals calling and sending mails to householders and stating that they are from the local council. They then explain a refund is due, and ask for bank details in order to pay out the £150 rebate. But according to those who have already fallen foul of this scam, handing over these details has led to large sums of money being deducted from their bank accounts shortly after the phone call.
But Ofgem has confirmed to MSE that the email and the website are both scams. A spokesperson for Ofgem told us: “We take these attempts to exploit consumers very seriously and we’ve already reported this malicious incident to the National Cyber Security Centre which will investigate further. We have also alerted our consumer contacts and posted across our social media channels, advising people to be vigilant.”
The Suspicious Email Reporting Scheme (SERS) allows people who’ve received scam emails and texts to forward or send screenshots to [email protected].
If you notice a website that doesn’t look quite right, you can also report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by pasting the URL into its online form.
The scam attempts to trick recipients into clicking the link in it by claiming they will get a gift. But, the link in the text scam goes to a phishing website that steals account credentials, personal and financial information.
The best thing you can do when receiving such mail like this is to block the sender and delete it.
You may also get other similar texts as they come in various form, it is in your own best interest that you don’t click on it, simply delete it and inform others so they don’t fall victim. The goal here is to lure unsuspecting victims to click on the link that takes them to a phishing website where their personal information is then taken and used fraudulently.
If you believe you have received a scam call, text or email, or you have already given away details, then you can report it to Action Fraud, or the police if you live in Scotland. You should also report it to your bank too if you have given away your details to a potential scammer.
What to do if you think you have been scammed
- If you’ve already responded to a scam, end all further communication immediately.
- Call your bank directly and cancel any recurring payments – for speed and ease, you can alternatively call the 159 hotline.
- Report the scam to the police through Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or report a scam anonymously on the Action Fraud website. If you’re in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or on the Advice Direct Scotland website. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101.
- If you wish to seek further help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action via the Citizens Advice website, or call its Scams Action helpline on 0808 250 5050.
Conclusion
From the Foregoing, it is clear that the Ofgem Rebate Email is a phishing scam, So many people have received similar texts, Users should not click on the link if and when they receive such message.
If you pay your council tax by direct debit and are eligible for the rebate you will receive it automatically.
If you do not pay by direct debit you should be contacted by your council, and not Ofgem.
To Read Further on other Online scams, Click Here.
