A WARNING has been issued over fraudsters using the UK Government’s energy bill discount scheme to target potential victims.

Under the initiative, all households in the local area will receive £400 to help with rising energy costs over the winter months.

However, concerns have been raised over callous crooks trying to exploit the Energy Bills Support Scheme by contacting residents and promising to arrange payment if they hand over their bank details.

That has led to guidance being issued by Advice Direct Scotland on how people will receive the money.

This will depend on how residents pay their bills – and some may receive vouchers via text, email or in the post.

There will be a discount of £66 applied to bills in each of October and November, as well as £67 a month from December to March.

All households are eligible for the full £400 worth of support, regardless of income, and should look out for correspondence from their energy supplier.

Conor Forbes, head of policy at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “With energy bills soaring, it’s vital that households don’t miss out on these payments.

“For those on older prepayment meters, the key advice is to look out for your vouchers this autumn.

“And it’s important that everyone knows they will not be asked for their bank details, so that we can safeguard against fraudsters looking to exploit the scheme.

“With the energy price cap set to rise in October and bills predicted to reach £500 a month in January alone, there is huge anxiety and concern among many households.”

Mr Forbes added: “There may be other financial support available, so we encourage anyone who is struggling with their energy bills to contact our advisers at energyadvice.scot for free and impartial advice.”