BBC warning as people on 6 DWP benefits 'getting letters' over £150

Millions of benefit claimants have been put on high alert as a new scam threatens to empty their bank accounts, according to a BBC expert. The government has issued a nationwide warning for individuals receiving six means-tested benefits who could be targeted by this fraudulent scheme.

The Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero is urging people to be extra vigilant in the coming months. Starting today, letters will be sent out to eligible claimants across the UK, notifying them that they can receive a £150 reduction on their energy bills.

This discount is part of the Warm Home Discount Scheme, with funds beingautomatically allocated to energy suppliers to reduce the amount payable by those who qualify. However, it's crucial to understand that money will not be directly distributed to eligible claimants.

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This announcement comes with a stark warning about scammerslooking to exploit this opportunity. Fraudsters may try to convince people that they need to apply for the scheme and that the money will be sent directly to them.

Instead of receiving the promised £150, victims may be duped into revealing their bank details, allowing the scammers to steal their money. The Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero has acknowledged the existence of scam texts claiming to be related to the scheme.

Appearing on BBC's One Show this week Matt Allwright said people need to be wary of the scams. He said: "Please don't be tempted by anything that you receive about this out of the blue or on social media. Remember, keep scammers away with gov.uk.! He explained people should only use the government's website. On the benefit itself he said: "There have been though some changes to the warm home discount scheme which could make a big difference to you.

"2.7 million more households are now eligible for that support this year. Previously this was a £150 discount applied to your electricity bill for those on means tested benefits, living in a home with a high energy score.

""But now anyone on means tested benefits like Universal Credit or pension credit should see that money knocked off their bills. The heat rating of the property doesn't matter anymore.

"He said: "Letters confirming your eligibility should start arriving in the next few weeks. When the discounts applied depends on your supply.

If you don't receive one but think you do qualify, go to gov.uk when the helpline opens in October. " Beware of deceptive messages asking for bank details, warns the Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero, advising people not to engage with them.

An additional 2.7 million households will now qualify for the Warm Home Discount, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over six million households, all set to see a reduction in their energy bills.

There's no need to make a claim as households will automatically receive the benefit. If you're living in England or Wales, you'll be eligible for the Warm Home Discount in 2025/26 if you're the named bill payer on your energy bill, and are receiving one of six means-tested benefits.

Those on Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Income Support, Pension Credit and Universal Credit will qualify. Eligible claimants across Great Britain should await the arrival of a letter.

Letters will start being dispatched from mid-October but may arrive up until December.