Three-quarters of Britons hit by scam messages as winter fraud spikes
A new poll shows 83% of UK adults have received scam texts, calls or emails this year, with many targeting fake energy-bill assistance.
Research commissioned by Smart Energy GB reveals that 83% of British adults have been targeted by scam communications this year, with an average of 19 attempts per person. Fraudsters are capitalising on winter energy-bill concerns, sending fake offers tied to the Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment, which 16% of respondents say they have received. Actions such as clicking links, replying, or sharing personal data led 15%, 13% and 9% of victims respectively to lose money, with 34% of those reporting a loss.
The study also notes a rise in AI-crafted messages, making scams harder to spot, and highlights that smart prepay meters can automatically apply the discount, reducing the need for vouchers. Dom Littlewood urges people to verify messages via official GOV.UK sites, avoid using supplied contact details, and report scams through free forwarding services or the appropriate fraud authorities.
Why it matters
The surge in sophisticated scams threatens household finances and highlights the need for vigilance during the energy-cost winter season.
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