Southport MP Warns of Energy Scammers Targeting Town’s Residents.
Southport MP Warns of Energy Scammers Targeting Town’s Residents.
Local MP Damien Moore has asked Southport residents to remain vigilant, following several reports of scam messages being sent to the town’s residents purporting to be from the Government.
The Government’s Energy Bill Support Scheme will see households across Southport receive £400 to help with rising energy costs, which will be paid across six monthly instalments. The first £66 was paid in October, followed by £66 in November, with £67 in each of December, January, February, and March scheduled to be paid.
Scammers are seeking to capitalise on this, and are in many cases asking people to fill in online forms “in order to claim the grant”. Local MP Damien Moore has made clear that the support payments will be made automatically, and there is no need to fill in online forms. Any such form will likely be a scam.
The Energy Bill Support Scheme is one of many measures the Government is taking to protect people against rising bills this winter. The Government has frozen energy bills until at least April next year, and the previously announced support measures will go ahead as planned - a £300 Winter Fuel Allowance top-up payment for pensioners, a £150 payment for those with disabilities, and the second half of the £650 payment for those on low incomes.
The Government has also confirmed that the triple-lock on pensions will be maintained, ensuring that pensioners across Southport will receive a sizable uplift to their pensions to assist with the cost of living.
Mr. Moore has asked any residents who are concerned about a text, email, or phone call they have received concerning the Energy Support Scheme – especially those asking for personal details – to consider whether they may be scammers.
Damien Moore, Member of Parliament for Southport, said:
“From speaking with my constituents, I have been made aware of numerous attempts by scammers to target Southport residents, purportedly in order to register them for the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme.
“Residents have been told by these scammers – by text, email, or phone call – that they must pass over personal and financial details in order to qualify for the financial support package. This is absolutely not the case.
“I want to be clear that households will automatically receive £400, split over six instalments between October and March. You will never be asked to fill out online forms to assess your eligibility. I urge all my constituents to be vigilant with such correspondence, and to err on the side of caution if nervous. Contact your electricity provider directly if you would like further information on your payments.
“Anybody concerned can raise a report with Action Fraud. If you are unsure how, please contact my office, who will help direct you to the right place.”