Consumers warned about energy bill discount fraudsters

A watchdog is warning of fraudsters trying to cash in on the nationwide scheme for households to receive help with rising energy bills.

The UK Government announced details on how households will receive £400 to help with rising energy bills this autumn.

There will be a discount of £66 applied to bills in October and November, and £67 a month from December to March 2023.

How the money is received will depend on how people pay their bills, and some may receive vouchers via text, email or post.

Advice Direct Scotland is reminding people that no household will be asked for their bank details. All households are eligible for the full £400, regardless of income.

The advice service is also urging people to check they receive the money and look out for correspondence from their supplier. Conor Forbes, head of policy at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “It’s important that everyone knows they will not be asked for their bank details, so that we can safeguard against fraudsters looking to exploit the scheme.”