The UK Government has announced details on how households will receive £400 to help with rising energy bills this autumn. There will be a discount of £66 applied to bills in October and November, and £67 a month from December to March 2023.
All households are eligible for the full £400, regardless of income. How the money is received will depend on how people pay their bills, and the arrangements made by specific energy suppliers. Some prepayment customers may receive vouchers via text, email or in the post.
Energy Bill Support Scheme Scams
There are several scams circulating relating to the different sources of support out there, many of which are claiming to be reaching out from energy regulator Ofgem, or other recognisable organisations.
It is important to note:
- No household will be asked for their bank details to process payments, or to receive the rebates, and it is important that we do not supply this information.
- We should also avoid clicking on any links in emails or text messages, as these can take us to cloned websites that have the intention of stealing our personal or financial information. These links can also sometimes install malware on devices when clicked.
- ‘Malware’ or ‘Malicious Software’ can allow scammers to take over our devices and obtain access to personal and banking information. Scammers can use this data to perpetrate further scams against us or sell the information on to other criminals to help in their efforts to defraud us.
Support with scams from consumeradvice.scot
consumeradvice.scot is Scotland’s national consumer advice service, providing free advice and information to Scottish consumers on a range of issues, including scams. Our specialist advisers are available on freephone 0808 164 6000 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), and through webchat and email at www.consumeradvice.scot.
To stay ahead of the scammers, there is more information on the different types of scams in the dedicated Knowledge Centre on their website.
Scams can also be reported using the Quick Reporting Tool at www.scamwatch.scot.
Support with energy costs and the cost-of-living
There are also sources of support out there if you are struggling with energy costs, or the cost-of-living more generally –
- Energy – energyadvice.scot provide free, practical advice and information on energy-related matters to the citizens of Scotland and can answer energy-related enquiries. Our specialist advisers are available on 0808 196 8660 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), or through the website at www.energyadvice.scot.
- Home Heating Costs – The Scottish Government’s Home Heating Support Fund seeks to provide financial relief to energy consumers who are experiencing significant financial hardship and strives to provide this support to households regardless of the fuel or payment method used. This includes users of prepayment meters, district heating networks and unregulated fuels. You can find out more about the fund by visiting www.homeheatingadvice.scot.
- Debt / Money – moneyadvice.scot provide free information and support on a wide-range of debt-related issues. Our specialist debt advisers can work with you to assess your current situation, look at your income and expenditure and decide what to do next. You can call us on 0808 196 2316 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
- Benefits – You can also check your entitlement to benefits using their benefits calculator at www.advice.scot.
It is important to remember that there are sources of support out there that are only a conversation away.
