Coventry City Council has warned homeowners of an energy rebate scam targeting households across the city. Crooks are contacting residents and asking them to provide bank details over the phone.
Consumer watchdog Which? has provided further details on the malicious scam and also shed light on how homeowners can avoid being duped. Earlier this year, the Government announced details of the rebate to help ease the rising cost of energy bills.
Scammers are said to be calling households asking for bank details in order to qualify for the £150 energy rebate. Which? says the con-artists claim to be associated with the council and explain a refund is due. Tricksters then ask for your bank details in order to pay out the £150 rebate.
READ MORE:OAP conned in ‘bargain’ scam in Aldi car park in Nuneaton
According to those who have fallen foul of the scam, handing over these details led to large sums of money being deducted from their bank accounts shortly after the phone call. While local authorities are administering the council tax rebates, the Local Government Association has said councils do not ask for bank details over the phone.
Which? says they have also seen variations of this scam being sent by email and text message. All households in council tax bands A to D will be eligible for the rebate, which is not means-tested and does not need to be repaid.
Homeowners who pay council tax by direct debit will receive the energy rebate directly into their bank account. If you do…
