Gmail and Hotmail users are being urged to be wary of a new scam message, which attempts to take advantage of concerns surrounding the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The new wave of cons was revealed by consumer champions Which? who spotted the fake British Gas email in inboxes.
The email claims that the recipient is owed a refund figured in the hundreds, for allegedly overpaying on energy bills last year.
Read more: Martin Lewis issues warning to anyone in the UK with a fixed-term energy deal
However, The Express reports that the message then directs users to a fake website where they are asked to enter details to claim the alluring windfall. It's all part of a scam to allow fraudsters to access people's sensitive personal information.
These types of scam - especially ones which as for financial information such as bank details - can be incredibly costly for victims, who are put at risk of funds being stolen from their bank accounts by cyber criminals. Addressing the scam, Which? said: "The email uses the official British Gas logo and branding and is addressed to your email address.
"Although the email looks seemingly legitimate, addressing you by your email address and not your name is a potential giveaway that it's from a fraudster."
The email in question, reads: "British Gas wants to inform you that you are eligible for a payment refund. Our records indicate that you have paid more than you should have for your British Gas service from 2020 - 2021. Because of this reason and that we value our clients we have decided to refund the total amount which you have overpaid."
There then lies a button at the bottom of the email which reads 'claim your refund now' - leading users to a fake mock-up British Gas website. If you have received this email you can forward it to phishing@centrica.com and report@phishing.gov.uk to report it to authorities.
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