Promises of energy contributions

Scammers pretend to offer an energy bill rebate

In the last few weeks, our electronic inbox got several e-mails telling us that we could receive a refund from the government or from the electricity board. But it didn’t just stop at that electronic mail. We also received calls over the phone promising that we would get so much money to soften our energy bill and mitigate this energy crisis.

It looks like it is playground time for certain people who do not mind to rob people.  And it looks like they have gained a lot of practice in mugging people. Some of their letters look really as if they come from the government or from an established company.

Those who have solar panels on their roofs also received multiple notices of so-called contributions to match the cancelled rollback counter.

Further, we note that scammers are now targeting families waiting for the government’s one-off rebate to tackle soaring energy bills.

Local British, Belgian and French authorities have warned that criminals are cold-calling people asking for their bank account details to offer them the chance to receive the £150, €150 or €210 rebate. Keep in mind that the state has all the data on you, so it certainly does not need your bank details.

The energy bill rebate scheme is part of the government’s response to ease the financial pressure on customers due to rising energy prices and the rising cost of living. In doing so, media reports make it appear that there would then be additional rebates for medium-sized businesses and a contribution from the European Commission to mitigate rising energy costs. This then provides additional fodder for scammers to strike during that time of ambiguity and anticipation.

MPs had previously asked for more details and clarification on the energy bill and council tax rebate scheme to address complex delivery issues and ensure households are protected.

Councillor Mohan Iyengar, Vice-Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said:

“Councils are working hard to ensure eligible residents receive their energy rebate payments as soon as possible, however, criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to take advantage of the financial worries people are facing and as a result, many of these scams look legitimate on first impression.

“Anyone can fall victim to a scam, and we urge people of all ages to brush up on the tell-tale signs, and the support available to those who need it.”

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Preceding

1. Rising prices in Great Britain and help from the government
2. The pain of soaring prices and falling wages is avoidable – and unacceptable
3. Screws turned on Vladimir Putin & Russian oil and gas industry
4. Everywhere in Europe the same
5. Thousands march in London over cost of living crisis
6. Climate warrior: Wind, North Sea oil and gas
7. Rishi Sunak warns Britons to brace for even higher energy costs in autumn
8. EU Commission proposing an emergency intervention in Europe’s energy markets to tackle dramatic price rises
9. Electrify Your Life

Warning in Dutch:

1. Waarschuwing voor zogenaamde tegemoetkomingen in energie rekeningen
2. Beloften van energie bijdragen

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Additional reading

1. Shall skyrocketing energy prices bring down consumption
2. If everybody tries to beat inflation it gets worse

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