Members of the public have reported receiving messages requesting their bank details to provide financial support for energy bills. Please be aware that the first instalment was added automatically to bills on the 1st of October; therefore, there is no need to disclose ANY bank details. According to the Energy Saving Trust, ‘’you don’t need to contact your supplier, as all households with a domestic electricity connection will be automatically given the discount. However, if you haven’t received the first instalment by the end of October 2022, you should get in touch with your energy supplier. You will never be asked for your bank details.’’

Citizens Advice also published a helpful guide and checklist for identifying scammers and potentially harmful text/emails.

According to Which.co.uk, scammers are also impersonating TV Licensing and the DVLA to steal your details. Their website says:

''Scammers are sending fake emails using the official TV Licensing logo. The first email encourages the recipient to update their direct debit details. The email might appear convincing, but the small spelling and grammatical errors are the first giveaway that it is a fake. The immediate request for your 'correct bank details' is also a red flag. 

The latest dodgy DVLA email tries to create a sense of urgency with the subject line: ‘Vehicle Tax Status - Unpaid!’ and uses the Gov.uk logo to appear genuine. The email goes on to say: ‘Dear [your email address]. Your bank has declined twice the latest Direct Debit payment. If you will not update your information, your vehicle is no longer taxed.’

The email includes a link, which states: ‘In order to continue to the payment page please use the following link.' If you click on this link, malware could be downloaded onto your device, or you may be taken to a website that asks for your personal data. As with the TV Licensing scam above, the grammatical errors and clumsy layout are a sign that this was written by fraudsters.''