Fraudsters are sending electricity bill scam texts to people seeking energy credits this winter.

Gardai are warning people to be careful as scammers are targeting vulnerable people looking to claim the credits. The scam messages are sent via text, and they try to trick unsuspecting members of the public into clicking a link that ends in gov.ie.

But the Government has warned that the the fake text is nothing to do with them, and is urging the public not to click the link or enter any information. Gardai have also issued a warning on social media urging the public to be careful.

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They said: "Yet another scam in circulation which offers a refund or allowances on bills. Never click on any links or provide personal information."

Gardai also shared an example of a scam electricity text. It reads: "GOV IE: You are eligible for a discounted electricity bill under the Energy support scheme. You can apply here."

Fake electricity refund texts
A fake text claiming that the recipient can get a discount on their electricity bill

It then provides a bogus link, which may then in turn steal personal and banking information. The latest scam comes as thousands of people are struggling to pay their electricity bills amid the cost of living crisis.

As confirmed in Budget 2024, households will get three energy credits worth €150 from the end of this year until April in 2024. The payments will be applied to people’s bills on December 1, 2023, January 1, 2024 and March 1, 2024.

The credits will be applied automatically and households do not need to apply for them.

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