Martin Lewis' official website, Money Saving Expert is warning UK residents away from a fake Ofgem energy rebate scam - which sees victims part ways with personal data.
Action Fraud, which works closely with the police to collect and process reports of fraud has also taken to social media to warn people of the trick, in which fraudsters claiming to be representatives of Ofgem offer a bogus £400 energy rebate amidst the cost of living crisis.
This comes just weeks after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that all households with an electricity supply will receive a £400 grant from October onwards to help deal with inflation and rising energy prices.
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Posting to social media this week, Action Fraud, said: "Scammers are sending text messages appearing to be from @Ofgem offering rebates.
"THIS IS A SCAM.
"The link could harvest your personal data so be #ScamAware."
The authority also shared a link to an article which tells the general public how to identify a scam, and tips on how to correctly deal with them should they encounter one.
What should you do if you think you've been scammed?
- If you've responded to a scam, end all contact straight away and do not engage any further with the caller
- Call your bank directly and cancel any recurring payments – or most people can call a new hotline set up to report scams on 159
- Report the scam to the police through Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or report anonymously on the Action Fraud website.
- If you need more help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action via the Citizens Advice website, or call its Scams Action helpline on 0808 250 5050.
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