Public urged to watch out for 'highly sophisticated' scam regarding energy credits

The public have been urged, particularly vulnerable and elderly citizens, to be wary of a phone scam asking for bank details in order to claim the Government electricity credits.

Fine Gael Senator John Cummins from Waterford raised the issue today on the Seanad’s Order of Business asking members of the public not to hand over bank account details to fraudsters who are currently purporting to be the ‘Government of Ireland’ requiring details to claim the three €150 electricity.

Senator Cummins stated:

“I received a text this morning purporting to represent the Government and it said ‘GOV.ie: You are eligible for a discounted electricity Bill under the energy support scheme, you can apply here’.

“The target is then directed to a link to apply for the credit, which brings them to an page purporting to be the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, with information on the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme II.

“This highly sophisticated scam asks individuals to click on a “Verify Now” button which brings them to a page asking for their personal details including address and telephone number. Once they hit continue, they are then asked for their card details, including number, expiry date and CVV number.”

Senator Cummins continued:

“As announced in this year’s Budget, over 2.2 million households will benefit from a new tranche of Electricity Credits — worth €450 in total. Three payments of €150 (including VAT) will be made between December 2023 and April 2024. Individuals need to remember that similar to last year and earlier this year, the credit will be applied automatically to your bill.

“Households do not need to apply for it, nor do they need to contact their electricity supplier.”

Senator Cummins concluded:

“With regard to phone and email scams, if something feels unsafe or unofficial do not give bank account details to third party and err on the side of caution.

“If you suspect you have been the victim of fraudulent activity, immediately end the call and ring back the number on the back of your card or call the official number for your branch. Banking customers are also advised to never click on links sent in a message, or share passwords, or the full five digits of your personal access codes with anyone,”

“Criminals are using ever more sophisticated methods of phoning and texting customers and can make replicas of official web pages to make it appear that the communication is legitimate.

“It’s very serious to be purporting as the Government and it is obviously targeted at the most vulnerable people in our society. It is a very realistic scam and one could easily click on it so it is vital that people are made aware of it so they cannot fall victim to it.

“It is abhorrent and those engaging in this sort of activity should be ashamed of themselves.”