Wigan residents alerted to a new energy bills text scam

Police have warned Wigan residents to be on their guard against a scam which takes advantage of the cost of living crisis and soaring fuel bills.

By Charles Graham

Published 12th Jan 2023, 08:00 BST- 1 min read

Updated 12th Jan 2023, 08:00 BST

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Texts have been circulating locally claiming to be from the Government, offering people grants under the Energy Bills Support Scheme.

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While such a scheme exists, those who respond to this particular message (pictured) are in danger of being fleeced out of their savings, officers say.

Police are warning people who receive this text not to respond to it because it is a scam

A spokesperson for GMP Wigan West said: “If a message seems suspicious or you don’t recognise the sender, be cautious or delete it.

"Never click on links in messages from a source you don’t know.

"And it you have any concerns, contact your energy provider.”