Cost of living crisis: People struggling with energy bills urged to watch out for scam Ofgem email

Scammers are targeting people anxious about the cost of living and rise in energy bills with fake emails promising an energy bill rebate. Emails using the logo of Ofgem, the energy regulator, are claiming to offer up to £450 per household and tricking people into handing over their bank details.

The real Ofgem has urged people to be vigilant and make sure they do not open the fake emails, reported Which. The emails direct people to a fake online portal to claim money under the so-called energy bill rebate scheme, where they are then asked for personal and payment details.

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The fake emails will come from info@rebate-ogem.com and tells the reader that they 'are eligible to apply for [sic] energy bill rebate'. It claims you have until June 1 2022 to apply. It asks for details such as your address, mother's maiden name, and card details. This would put you at risk of having your card used and your identity stolen.

Legitimate emails from Ofgem will always come from an address ending '@ofgem.gov.uk'.

Since the government's legitimate £150 rebate scheme was launched, fraudsters have jumped at the opportunity to scam those worried about money.