Lloyds warns British Gas customers about email scam | #phishing | #scams | #hacking | #aihp

Lloyds Bank said that conmen have pretended to be workers from an energy supplier, in fake emails sent to lower-income households.

In the fake email, fraudsters claim to their victims that their latest energy bill direct debit has failed to clear and that, as a result of this, their electricity could be cut off.

However, in a statement, Lloyds has said the messages are a hoax, and have urged people not to respond to them.

In a statement to customers, Lloyds said: “You could get an email that looks like it’s from British Gas.

“It will say that your latest payment by direct debit didn’t go through and your gas supply could be cut off.

“They want you to click on a link to check and update your payment details. This is a scam.

“The link is to a fake site to try and get your personal or payment details.”

The email comes as millions of UK families face an unprecedented rise in their energy bills, as the soaring cost of living cuts into people’s savings.

Energy bills are set to be frozen at £2,500 a year, for two years, in a move that’s been announced by Prime Minister Liz Truss, to protect homes from soaring gas and electricity prices.

The cap comes into force on October 1, and it’s set to last until 2024. Without the cap, experts predict household energy bills would soar to £3,549 a year.

Without the cap, experts feared household energy bills could have soared from an average of £1,971 to a whopping £3,549 a year.

Lloyds has also released advice aimed at helping people avoid falling victim to the con. People are being urged not to open emails if they don’t know who’s sent them, and to check the sender’s email address in order to make sure it’s legitimate, reports the Daily Mail.

The bank is also suggesting that people don’t click on links or attachments, unless they’re sure they’re safe.

Those unsure about an email are being urged to contact energy suppliers directly, via links on the company website.