
Energy usage
Understanding your energy usage
Scams can come in many guises meaning it can be all too easy to fall victim. And with fraudsters becoming more and more sophisticated, new scams are cropping up all the time.
Criminals are, for example, increasingly targeting the public with so-called ‘phishing’ emails, texts and WhatsApp messages – as well as setting up fake websites – to hoodwink people into parting with their hard-earned cash.
All of this should serve as a reminder of just how important it is to remain switched on to the dangers posed by fraudsters.
No-one is safe from scams and here at MoneySuperMarket, we have been made aware of a number of ways in which fraudsters are trying to use the MoneySuperMarket brand to try and trick unwitting consumers into handing over money – or their financial details.
We know that a recent scam has involved calls, door knocking and emails to consumers claiming to be calling from MoneySuperMarket. They may claim to be working with a well-known bank and ask for money to be transferred to fake accounts. We will never ask you to transfer money to another account. Steps on what to do if this has happened to you can be found towards the bottom of this article.
We want to alert you to other various cons, so you know what to look out for – and the steps you can take to avoid falling victim.
Fraudsters can, use fake sites to try and persuade you to transfer money into seemingly authentic investment opportunities or savings accounts, when in fact the whole thing is a scam.
Door-to-door salesman scams have been around for a long time, and still persist.
If you receive a knock on the door from someone claiming to be from MoneySuperMarket offering to help you to switch your energy, this should set the alarm bells ringing.
MoneySuperMarket does not have ‘reps’ and we will never knock on doors offering any type of switching service for any type of product.
If someone tells you they are from MoneySuperMarket, this is simply not the case. These individuals are fraudsters trying to trick you into handing over account details – or cash.
Cold-calling is a tried and tested way to try and con people out of their personal and financial details – and potentially also their cash.
If you receive a call out of the blue claiming to be someone from MoneySuperMarket, you need to be on your guard.
We only make outbound calls to customers if they have left us a message and requested us to call them back
The only other scenario where you may receive a phone call is if you have requested a call back by one of our partners, following using one of our services. For example, if you carried out a life insurance comparison on MoneySuperMarket to get a quote for cover. In this case, someone from a firm called LifeSearch will call you to help with your enquiry and talk about the policy you are looking to purchase.
Malware – also known as ‘malicious software,’ this is when a computer virus is installed on your computer or device without your knowledge. This enables fraudsters to steal personal information or perform actions through your device. This is more of a case of fraud, rather than you being scammed, but it’s important to make sure your security software is up to date to avoid this.
Phishing – this con involves fraudsters sending emails purporting to be from your bank or another organisation. Emails will try and trick you into clicking on dodgy links which risk your device being infected with malware, or make you hand over sensitive personal and financial information. Look out for:
Smishing – with this scam, conmen send ‘spoof’ text messages which seem to come from your bank or another official institution. The message will contain a link for you to call a number to sort out whatever the problem is. But this is just a way for fraudsters to steal your money – or your identity.
You can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk.
If you think someone is impersonating MoneySuperMarket, then please contact our customer services team.
If you’re within the UK call us on 0333 123 1983. For everywhere else, please call +44 (0) 1244-976-301. Our lines are open Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm (UK time).
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