British Gas customers warned as Which? issues alert over 'freebie'

British Gas customers have been urged to pay close attention to any 'freebies' they may be offered. Consumer champions at Which? have warned in its latest newsletter that fake emails posing as trusted energy firms are doing the rounds, luring people in with dodgy links that can steal personal and financial details.

In one example, scammers sent out emails pretending to be fromBritish Gas, claiming recipients were entitled to a "free Google Nest thermostat".

The message boasted the gadget could save households up to £200 a year - but it's just one of a growing number of bogus energy supplier scams flooding inboxes right now. Which? writes: "Dodgy emails claiming to be from well-known energy companies will contain links that will go on to steal your personal and financial information if clicked on."

The consumer champions explain: "The catch is that you have to follow a malicious link and complete a short survey to receive the free thermostat. The survey will gather details that the fraudster will use themselves, or your details will be traded, enabling fraudsters to target you with more scams."

British Gas alert

Talking about scams in general, and not this specific one, on its website British Gas warns: "Some scam emails are easy to spot. They often contain spelling mistakes, incorrect addresses, unusual formatting and other clues. But others are more convincing.

"If you're ever in doubt, to know if an email from us is genuine please attach what you've received to a new email and send it to phishing@britishgas.co.uk for us to investigate. Then delete it.

"Reporting messages to us this way is free, helps keep you safe and allows us to block fraudsters' numbers so we can prevent or shut down similar scams faster in future. Please also be aware of fake websites which claim to be British Gas or Centrica and report the URL to us immediately at the same email address as above."

British Gas says you should look out for the following:

Our emails will always be personalised to you. We'll use your name and include your customer number. Beware of emails that greet you as 'customer' or by your email address.

Be suspicious of any email you weren't expecting, or that asks you to do something unusual, like make an unscheduled payment.

Emails can appear in your inbox as coming from 'British Gas' when they haven't. Double-check the sender details for a @britishgas.co.uk email address.

We'll never ask you for your password or any other personal or sensitive information by email. We'll also never ask you to reply to an email directly.

Typically, the links in our emails will direct you to a britishgas.co.uk webpage. Hover over links to check where they're sending you before clicking on them.

Apart from your welcome email, which we attach your contract or agreement to, we don't add attachments to our emails. Don't open attachments in any later emails claiming to be from us.

Phishers often use urgency or threats to pressure customers into taking immediate action, such as claiming their account will be suspended. This will also commonly include pressure to click on links or download attachments, often with claims of urgency. They want the customers to feel flustered and rushed.

Phishers will also often offer incentives, such as gift cards, discounts, or free access, if you respond quickly.

Which? urges 'caution'

The organisation highlights that scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into signing up for things or sharing information, hoping you'll act quickly and only question it later, when it's too late.

Which? stresses that unusual messages, calls or emails must be "treated with caution". As well as this, "information given to you in this way should be verified".

They may also deploy "special offers, heavy discounts, huge savings or competitions to gather your data and get you to part with your money". If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. However, if you fall victim to a scam and lose money, it's recommended that you contact your bank immediately.

To stay safe from scams, Which? recommends:

• Call your bank: Use the official number on the back of your card.

• Report it: Contact Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud).

• In Scotland? Call 101 to reach the police.

• Suspicious text? Forward it for free to 7726.

Red flags to watch for

• Messages from unknown numbers.

• Requests for personal or bank details.

• Links in the text.

• Bad spelling or grammar.

• Pressure to act immediately.