Trading Standards has issued its ‘starkest warning yet’ to Brits navigating the cost-of-living crisis as it’s seen scams soar while loan sharks and doorstep sellers are also taking advantage.
More than 40 million people were targeted by scammers in the past two years, with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) seeing a large rise in energy scams linked to the current cost-of-living crisis.
Along with scam energy rebate text messages, it’s also concerned over energy tariff mis-selling by doorstep sellers, as well as loan sharks preying on the most vulnerable.
‘Be on guard’
CTSI lead officer for scams and doorstep crime, Katherine Hart, said: “There has been a huge surge in energy efficiency scams offering rebates and offers to apply for grants. With the rise of costs in fuel bills and the cost-of-living concerns during the upcoming winter months, I urge the public to be on its guard because these types of emails and texts are attempts to scam.
“We see some of the texts or emails ask people to click on a link that takes them to an official booking platform where they are asked to submit personal information. This is a ruse to data harvest, often to scam the person at a later date. Sadly, we have noticed an increase in people whose savings have been compromised.”
Hart added that CTSI expects scammers will target households in the coming weeks regarding the £150 disability cost of living payment.
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