MILLIONS of benefits claimants have been urged to stay vigilant as a new benefit scam threatens to leave bank accounts emptied.
The government has issued a UK-wide warning for people on six means-tested benefits who could lose money in the scam.
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The Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero told people to be extra careful over the coming months.
From today letters will be posted to eligible claimants across the UK to let them know they will be able to get £150 off their energy bills.
Claimants will get the money off as part of the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Funds will be automatically given to energy suppliers to reduce the amount those qualified will need to pay.
Money will not be handed out to eligible claimants.
But, the news comes with a warning that scammers will try to capitalise on the opportunity.
Scammers might try to convince people they need to apply for the scheme and will get the money directly.
Instead of transferring claimants £150, scammers will instead trick people into handing over their bank details and steal their money.
The Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero is stressing that people do not need to apply for the scheme.
Claimants are being warned that if they receive a text or email about the scheme it is a scam.
The Department for energy Security and Net-Zero has said they are aware of scam texts claiming to be about the scheme.
The dodgy messages allegedly ask people to share their bank details with the Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero urging people not to engage with them.
An extra 2.7 million households will be eligible for the Warm Home Discount.
Over six million households in total will now benefit, with their energy bills cut.
Households will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to do anything to claim it.
If you live in England or Wales you will qualify for the Warm Home Discount in 2025/26 if you are the named bill payer on your energy bill, and on one of six means-tested benefits.
Those receiving Housing Benafit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income Support, Pension Credit and Universal Credit will be eligible.
Claimants eligible for the scheme across Great Britain will receive a letter and should wait for it.
Letters will be sent out from mid-October but can be received up to December.
4 ways to keep your energy bills low
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won’t even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.
