Gmail and Outlook users have been told by police to stay clear of a scam email being spread that preys on concerns around the cost of living crisis. Callous con-artists are spreading an email that claims it is from energy regulator Ofgem, and allegedly offers details on how to claim a Government-backed rebate to help with your energy bills. However, this convincing hoax is all part of a scam to direct people to a malicious website which can steal personal and financial information.
This dangerous email was highlighted by Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre.
On Twitter the Action Fraud account posted: “SCAM WARNING: We received over 750 reports in just four days about these FAKE @ofgem emails.
“The links in the emails lead to websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial details. If you receive one, report it to: Report@phishing.gov.uk”.
And now following on from this warning police are also alerting the public to this danger, saying they have seen a “sudden” amount of reports about the scam.
Speaking to Express.co.uk Detective Chief Inspector Craig Mullish, from the City of London Police, said: “There has been a sudden flurry of reports relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem. These attempt to hook the public in by claiming that the recipient is eligible to apply for an energy bill rebate. The link will then take you through to a genuine-looking website that intends to steal your personal and financial…
