The government has warned people about deceptive text messages offering people access to their electricity credit in exchange for personal information.
The first credit offered under Budget 2024 is available from tomorrow. The payment, worth €150, will help shoulder the costs of mounting energy bills as temperatures ebb closer to freezing.
Officials have learnt that a text scam purporting to be from website 'gov.ie' has been doing the rounds in recent months. Recipients of the text are asked to click on a series of links, which eventually leads to a request for their credit card details.
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Fine Gael TD Emer Higgins urged people to avoid engaging with the duplicitous messages. The politician added that those entitled to the energy credit will receive it automatically and do not need to chase down the money.
Ms Higgins said: " I am extremely concerned that given the content of this scam, a vulnerable or elderly individual may hand over their bank details to these fraudsters, thinking it is a legitimate message from a Government department regarding how to claim their electricity credits. Individuals need to remember that similar to last year and earlier this year, the credit will be applied automatically. Households do not need to apply for it, nor do they need to contact their electricity supplier."
Approximately 2.2 million households will benefit from electricity credits to help ease spiralling bills. Three separate payments of €150 will be issued between December and April 2024.
Anyone who suspects they may have been the victim of fraud is urged to get in touch with their banking provider immediately. Customers can ring the number on the back of their card or contact their local branch directly for advice.
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