The borough council is warning residents about a new scam, that has been taking place across the country, where cold callers pretend to be helping people claim the Government’s £150 energy rebate.
The rebate was announced earlier this year, amid the rising cost of energy bills. Payments are being administered by local authorities for all eligible households in Council Tax bands A to D.
Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, Leader of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, warns that in other parts of the country, criminals are cold calling residents asking for bank details in order for them to receive the Government’s energy rebate: “I would like to take this opportunity to advise residents to be vigilant and remind them that we will not be asking for bank details over the phone to administer this payment.”
All eligible households who pay Council Tax by direct debit will receive the payment directly into their bank account and anyone who does not pay their Council Tax by direct debit will be sent a letter with details of how to claim.
If you get sent a message that you believe to be fraudulent, you can report it to your mobile phone provider or by forwarding the message to 7726, a free reporting service provided by phone operators. You should also report the scam to Action Fraud.