A leading UK fraud prevention service has issued an urgent warning to gas and electricity customers after multiple reports of scams targeting low-income households.
Energy supplies have revealed that numerous pre-payment account holders have been presented with discounted prices by criminals — but they could wind up with even larger bills.
With millions of households across Scotland and the UK looking for ways to keep costs down amid the worsening cost of living crisis, many may be easily tempted by offers of low energy prices.
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But Cifas has warned that these offers are illegal and that energy companies know when they have not been paid the full amount they are due — and as a result will the charge the fraud victims even more.
People who are presented with one of these tempting offers should inform Action Fraud or Police Scotland via 101 immediately so that an investigation can be launched.
The public are being warned to remain vigilant of ever-evolving tactics that criminals use to attempt to defraud victims out of money and information.
Head of Fraud Intelligence at Cifas Amber Burridge said: “Criminals are always trying new ways to trick people out of their personal details and money.
“Always do your research before parting ways with your details or money, criminals have zero regard for who they trick, meaning it’s important individuals remain alert to potential scams during the current cost of living crisis.”
