Fraudsters, pretending to be from the government, are taking advantage of rising energy prices.
The text messages tell recipients that they are eligible to apply for a discounted energy bill as part of the Energy Bills Support Scheme.
But the texts are a scam, and police are asking those who receive the messages report them.
Suspicious text messages can be forwarded to 7726, for free.
The £400 support does not need to be applied for, and will be paid automatically.
The £400 energy rebate scheme, initially announced in February as a £200 payment, will see households with a domestic electricity account receive a non-repayable grant of £400 between October and March.
The grant will be paid in instalments of £66 in October and November and £67 from December to March.
If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
