Buckinghamshire Trading Standings has issued a warning after a scam energy bill discount to the county’s residents was sent out.

This autumn and winter will see the cost of living increase across the country, but the Government has confirmed that a £400 energy bill discount will be applicable to numerous households.

However, it was been confirmed that scammers and con artists are exploiting the reduction by sending text messages and emails that appear to be from the energy regulator, Ofgem.

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The message invites people to apply for the £400 rebate and instructs the recipients to follow a link to a fake Ofgem website to then provide personal details, whilst also setting up a direct debit to receive the rebate.

Trading Standards explained: “For most people, the discount will be applied to your energy bill automatically – there's absolutely no need to apply.

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“Be aware that if you have an older prepayment meter you will get energy bill discount vouchers sent you in the first week of each month from October, via SMS text, email or post, that you will then need to redeem at your usual top-up point.”

To find out more about how you will get the £400 to help with your energy bills, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills.

The discounts are due to start in October this year and will last until March 2023.