Fake Ofgem energy price cap rebate texts and emails steal bank details ahead of Q4 announcement

What is this scam?

Fraudsters are sending phishing texts and emails impersonating Ofgem, falsely claiming recipients are entitled to an energy bill rebate ahead of the Q4 2026 price cap announcement. Messages instruct recipients to submit bank account details within seven days to receive the payment, exploiting the timing of the genuine price cap review. Ofgem never contacts customers directly to process rebates — any discount is applied automatically by energy suppliers and no bank details are required from consumers.

Example scam message

Red flags to look out for

• The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
• Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
• You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
• It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
• The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.

What to do if you receive this

1. Do not click links or call numbers provided in the message.
2. Contact the organisation directly using details from their official GOV.UK page.
3. Forward the message to 7726 or email report@phishing.gov.uk.
4. Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.