FOUR COMMON SCAMS – AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

1 ENERGY SCAMS

An email lands in your inbox, stating: “Claim your energy rebate now.” All you have to do is click on a link and claim £400 from the Government to help cover your soaring energy bills. You know you’re entitled to it and it’s so easy. Welcome to the thought process that scammers have relied on in recent months to steal access to thousands of people’s bank accounts.

“The Government’s £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme discount has certainly provided a new opportunity to scammers,” says Brooks. “Often it will arrive as an email or a text message, saying you’re entitled to a refund and asking you to click on a link and fill out your banking details to receive it.”

The initial message can appear very convincing, especially as they often claim to be from Gov.uk, Ofgem, or your energy company, and carry all the right branding. “This is a prime example of how agile scammers can

2 be. We’ve seen it with Covid, the war in Ukraine and now the energy crisis – scammers will seize on something in the news and use it to try and take advantage,” says Brooks.

People’s worry over energy costs has led to a mushrooming of other “green scams” too. National Trading Standards recently reported an 85 per cent increase in scam calls offering grants for solar panels, loft insulation, spray foam and boiler replacements, calling it “a sobering barometer of the onslaught faced by vulnerable people across the country”.

How to avoid them

Never click on a link that purports to be a way of claiming money. Any rebate you’re owed from your energy company will be applied directly to your bill. Customers who use prepayment meters will receive theirs in vouchers.

Be alert to “green scams” and deals claiming to lower your home energy costs. If you want to undertake work to improve the energy efficiency of your home, get recommendations from friends or go to the relevant trade association’s website.

PHONE SCAMS

“Older people are particularly at risk of phone scams,” says Chris Brooks. “Perhaps because they’re less likely to be online and also because they’re more likely to use a landline.” These “cold calls” most often take the form of someone purporting to be from a reputable organisation like your bank. They’ll lure you in by telling you that your card has been cloned or that your account is at risk, and ask for your card details, perhaps even offering to send a courier to collect your card. These are all things that your genuine bank would never ask of you.

Be wary of anyone who calls claiming to be from HMRC, quibbling a tax bill or suggesting you qualify for a rebate. Likewise, keep your guard up if any phone call starts with the claim that you’re entitled to compensation – some may be genuine companies, but many people have been duped this way. Simply end the call and contact your insurance company directly.

Be alert to deals claiming to lower your home energy costs

It’s worth being aware that scammers now have the technology to mimic official telephone numbers, so a call might seem legitimate when the number flashes up on your caller ID display. Similarly, some scammers can now keep the line open, so that even if you hang up, you’re still connected to them. If you’re in any doubt, hang up and wait 10 minutes before calling the company directly.

How to avoid them

The Telephone Preference Service will drastically reduce the number of unsolicited calls you receive. Register for free at tpsonline.org.uk.

Ask your landline supplier if they offer call blocking services and if they don’t, consider buying a call blocker that will screen nuisance numbers.

If you feel uncomfortable or pressured by the person on the end of the phone, simply hang up. It might feel rude, but it’s your right to do so.

If you’re concerned, call the organisation they claim to be from directly. Find the number yourself – don’t use the one you were called from.

Remember that legitimate companies you deal with will never contact you and ask you to divulge passwords, pin numbers or account details. If this happens, put the phone down straightaway.