FRAUDSTERS are exploiting the cost-of-living crisis to steal personal and financial information, among the latest scams to be reported to Warwickshire Trading Standards.
Bogus ‘OFGEM’ Emails
Warwickshire residents have reported receiving bogus OFGEM emails relating to the £400 energy bill discount some people will receive this Autumn.
The bogus emails ask residents to provide their personal and financial information to ‘apply’ for energy grants.
The Government has stated that consumers will see an automatic deduction to their bills and have warned that no household should be asked for bank details at any point.
Scammers will use every opportunity to steal personal and financial information, including the cost-of-living crisis.
Visit www.gov.uk/government/news/400-energy-bills-discount-to-support-households-this-winter for more information on energy bill discounts.
Bitcoin Scams
Young Warwickshire residents have reported losing thousands to a scam after signing up to ‘invest’ with bogus cryptocurrency trading firms, either online or over the phone.
The fraudsters promote their bogus firms on social media platforms. Young investors are offered the opportunity to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies and are sometimes even given login details to the bogus platform, on which they are given the impression that their cryptocurrencies are appreciating in value.
In reality, the fraudsters simply steal their clients’ money. No cryptocurrencies are ever…
