A warrning has been issued after a number of Bolton residents fell victim to an energy scam.

Westhoughton councillor, Chris Hill says he has had three reisdents who have fallen for the text message scam claiming they are eligible for a discounted energy bill.

The Westhoughton South councillor said that one had gone so far as to submit bank details, although “nothing seems to have left their account” after they contacted the bank.

Cllr Hill added: “I am very concerned that they have given their details out.

“But they did realise it was a scam and now understand that they wouldn’t be asked any other way.”

Out of the three residents who were scammed two were elderly women, and the other person was a young single mum.

The Bolton News: The text that many people are receiving The text that many people are receiving (Image: Public)

Cllr Hill said: “The two elderly ladies came across it and thought it was the way to go."

He said another resident was struggling in the current climate and thought the risk was 'worth it' on the off chance it was genuine.

After being sent the text himself, Cllr Hill clicked on the link to check it out, and it took him to a page that looked almost identical to the Gov.UK website.

He says that the first sign to look out for is that the text was sent by a random mobile number.

He added: “The Government won’t text you off a random mobile number.

“The website is a replica of the Government website with a different website address.

“Some of the boxes on the website do actually take you to the official website, so it’s hard to spot.”

He warned that anyone who might not be up to date with technology “could easily fall for it”.

Cllr Hill added: “There are grants going round and people are looking for how and when they will get grants, so there are people going for the scams.

The Bolton News: Scam vs real websiteScam vs real website (Image: Public)

“It’s wrong.

“You will always have people trying to take advantage of a situation and people in dire situations.

“Anyone who is elderly and is unsure should show the text to their family members and get in touch with the Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and seek advice.”

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute has also issued its ‘starkest warning yet’ about a rise in scams targeting vulnerable households today.

Households do not need to apply for the rebate as suppliers are automatically applying it to bills for six months from October.

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