Money Saving Expert has issued a warning ahead of the energy price cap coming into force. As the colder months near, the Government will be providing those in need with help via the Energy Bills Support Scheme discount.
The scheme provides a £400 non-repayable discount to eligible households to help with their energy bills over the coming winter. Last week, a number of Britons shared a text they had received, allegedly from the Government, inviting them to apply for the £400 energy bills.
Clare Kelly, one of the recipients of the text message, shared a screenshot of the message on Twitter. She wrote: “Is this a scam? I assume it is because of the .com address but it’s a good one.
Read more: Second round of DWP £324 payments to arrive in accounts this week
“@Moneysavingexpert do you know? I thought we got the money automatically whether we want it or not?”
The text which also includes a website link, said to be from ‘UK Help’, reads: “GOVUK: You are eligible for a discounted energy bill under the Energy Bills Support Scheme. You can apply here.”
Following the spate in suspicious texts, Money Saving Expert – which was founded by financial guru Martin Lewis – has said that any messages should be “ignored and reported”, as they are part of a scam. According to the Government website, the discount is automatic – this means you will not be invited to claim it.
When it comes to eligibility for the Energy Bills Support Scheme, all households with a domestic electricity connection in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible for the discount. Meanwhile, those in Northern Ireland will receive a £400 discount on bills through the Northern Ireland Energy Bills Scheme.
Households with a domestic electricity account in England, Scotland and Wales will receive the non-repayable grant of £400 between October 2022 and March 2023. This will be paid in instalments of £66 in October and November, and £67 from December to March.
If you believe you have received a scam text, you can find out how to report it here.
Read more:
One million people risk damaging their credit scores in October
Young adults more likely than over-55s to be downsizing their lifestyle
More help to pay household energy bills announced by Government
Lidl announces pay rise for 23,500 staff next week
Simple mortgage trick could save you £3,500 in two years
