Watch out for energy payment scams

Make sure you don’t fall victim to fraudsters around the £400 energy bills discount this winter.

The discount, administered by energy suppliers but funded by the UK Government, is being paid to millions of eligible households to help with the cost of fuel bills.

The first instalment of the £400 discount was applied on Saturday 1 October, with future payments paid into accounts in the first week of each month.

Payments are made in monthly instalments, even to quarterly bill payers, and your supplier will notify you in advance.

The discount is automatic, so you don’t have to apply for it and you won’t be asked for your bank details to process payments.

Remember to protect yourself from fraudsters who may try to scam you by asking for private information in emails, text messages or on social media.

Do not give out information such as bank details or passwords, reply to text messages,

download attachments or click on any links in emails if you’re not sure they’re genuine.

Click here for more advice on avoiding scams.

You can also call Advice Direct (Scotland) on 0808 164 6000.

Contact your bank if you think you have been scammed.