Action Fraud has warned that criminals are using the ongoing cost-of-living
crisis to target the public with energy rebate scams.
Action Fraud revealed that more than 1,500 reports have been filed with the
National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) regarding scam emails purporting to be
from energy regulator Ofgem, offering customers energy rebates.
In order to protect themselves from scams, Action Fraud has advised individuals
to contact an organisation directly if they have doubts about an email; refrain
from using numbers or addresses in the message and instead use the details on
the company's official website; and forward suspicious communications to report@phishing.gov.uk.
A spokesperson for Ofgem said:
'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.
'That's why, as energy regulator, on top of issuing our own warnings and
advice, we have asked all energy suppliers to ensure clear and up to date
information on scams is easily accessible on their websites.'