Energy Rebate Scam Councils have warned that scammers are coldcalling people and asking for their bank details to receive the government's £150 energy rebate. Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the rebate for homes in council tax bands A to D in February to help people cope with escalating cost of living prices. The scammers are hoping to exploit the fears of people about energy price rises to obtain personal information and bank details. Eligible households in England that pay council tax by direct debit should receive the payment directly into their bank account. The government has urged people to set up direct debits since the rebate will only be automatically given to people paying by direct debit. Those who do not pay their council tax by direct debit will be sent a letter with details of how to claim. You can protect yourself: Councils will never make unsolicited calls and request bank details. As always, if you receive an unexpected text, email or telephone call seeking information or payment, do not give out any personal information, including bank details, or click any links unless you are sure it is genuine. If in doubt, end the call and contact the organisation on a known number, for instance from the back of a bank card. If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, protect your money by contacting your bank immediately on a different device from the one the scammer contacted you on, and report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit http://www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you're not sure whether something is a scam, you can talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham (01763) 260358 Linda (01763) 261405 Peter
(01763) 260323
Tim
(01763) 262801
You can contact Neighbourhood Watch by telephoning Graham on the above number, or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 27
