Cost of living scams

Scammers may make false offers of energy refunds, energy discounts, tax rebates, cost-of-living payments and food vouchers to steal your personal or banking details.

How to protect yourself

• If you have any doubts about a message claiming to be from an organisation, contact the organisation directly - do not reply to the message
• Don’t use the numbers or address in the message – use details from their official website. Remember, your bank (or any other official source) will never ask you to supply personal information via email or text.
• If you have received an email that you’re not quite sure about, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk.
• Follow the ‘Take Five to Stop Fraud’ advice:
• Stop: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information.
• Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

How to report a scam 

• You can report scams to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, using the Citizens Advice online reporting form or by calling 0808 223 1133 (freephone).
• You can report a scam to Action Fraud, the UK national fraud office, using their online fraud reporting tool or by calling 0300 123 2040.