DWP issues urgent warning to Brits to ‘beware’ of new energy bill scam | Personal Finance | Finance

The benefits office has issued a warning to Britons about an energy bill support scheme text scam. In a new post on X, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said: “Beware. If you get a text about an ‘Energy Support Scheme’, it is a scam.”

The DWP then urged those who receive the text to forward it on to the Government’s scam reporting phone number, 60599. The Energy Bills Support Scheme offered those eligible a discount on their gas and electricity rates. However, this scheme ended in April 2024.

The scam text includes links urging immediate action. It reads: “DWP Notice: You have not yet submitted your application for the 2024-2025 fiscal year energy allowance. According to our records, you are eligible for the Energy Support Scheme and may receive a grant of £200 to £300. Please complete your application by 6 June 2025.

“Late applications will not be accepted, and the application channel will be permanently closed.”

It then urges people to “apply now”, followed by a link.

Reiterating the warning, a DWP spokesperson told the Express: “The Energy Bills Support scheme ended on April 1, 2024.

“If you have any doubt whether a text is genuine, forward it to 60599 and you will receive a reply confirming if it’s legitimate.”

Government analysts review each scam message forwarded to 60599 to confirm if it is genuine. If not, it said they will share further guidance.

If the email or text contains a link to a phishing page that collects credentials or bank information, analysts will contact the web hosting company to have the site taken down.

Where mobile numbers are repeatedly reported, the DWP said it works with UK network providers to take “appropriate action”.