Beware of scam texts around £100 energy payments

People in Exeter are being warned to watch out for fake text messages in relation to the government’s announcement of a new £100 household energy payment.

The City Council said that it was aware of scammers trying to make money out of the scheme and advised people to be wary about any messages. 

The Council said that any genuine payments wouldn’t be made until early in the New Year and that it would not be texting those households that qualify for the payments. 

In last week’s Budget, Chancellor John Healey confirmed that up to 20 million households could receive extra help with their energy bills this winter. 

The payments will go to eligible households living in properties in Council Tax bands A to D across the UK to help with families struggling with rising energy bills. 

However, fraudsters are already sending text messages trying to trick people into handing over their personal and banking details. 

The City Council warned people not to fall foul of the scams. 

The Council said it was developing plans to make the payments, and it is likely that customers paying their council tax by direct debit will receive a direct payment into their bank account. Other customers will be contacted in the New Year with details of how payments will be made. 

Those who would like to sign up to pay by direct debit can provide their bank account details securely via the council tax pages of the Council’s website at Set up a Direct Debit - Exeter City Council

The Government has made it clear that nobody other than a person's local council should contact them asking them to claim the payment. 

“We would urge householders to be particularly suspicious of unexpected texts or emails containing links to claim the £100,” a spokesman for the Council said. 

Anyone unsure whether a message is genuine should contact the Council directly rather than using the details provided in the message. 

People can also report fraudulent websites to the National Cyber Security Centre. 

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