Fraudsters targeting people with fake heating bill support

Scammers are exploiting vulnerable people’s concerns about energy bills to get hold of their bank details.

According to Cifas, UK Finance and the Cyber Defence Alliance, organised crime groups are posing as well-known and trusted brands on social media and via text message and targeting people with attractive offers.

For example, some are getting messages encouraging them to apply for a living allowance to reduce their winter heating bills.

Others, meanwhile, are getting notifications about an undelivered parcel.

Once the link has been opened, people are asked to enter their credit or debit card details.

They are then sent a unique temporary one-time password (OTP) via text.

But in truth, this code will have been sent by the person’s bank, as the fraudsters have registered to open a new digital wallet to take control of their account.

Mike Haley, chief executive of Cifas, said: “Scammers are using new technology to change their tactics at speed and find new ways to abuse consumers’ trust and steal from their bank accounts.”

Be vigilant for possible fraud

Cifas, UK Finance and the Cyber Defence Alliance have now urged people to take steps to protect themselves from scammers.

• Stop and think before paying money or sharing information.
• Ask yourself if a message could be fake.
• Don’t open attachments or click on links in unsolicited texts or emails.
• Get a second opinion from someone you trust if you’re not sure if a message is genuine.
• Be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true.

Dianne Doodnath, principal of economic crime at UK Finance, said: “Criminals are sophisticated and will make every attempt to steal personal and financial information.” 

Garry Lilburn, operations director at Cyber Defence Alliance, added: “It is vital consumers remain sceptical of offers that are too good to be true and that ask for card details.’

Staying safe online

For more tips on how to stay safe from fraudsters, read our blog on how to spot a scam and check out our guide on outsmarting online scammers.

Remember the rule of thumb that if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
 
So always take a moment to think before clicking on links or sharing information, and don’t let yourself be pressured into a quick decision.

Legitimate organisations won’t rush or panic you and will always let you say no.