SOUTH Essex MPs have put out a warning to residents of fake texts going around offering people help with their energy bills.

Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point, warns residents that texts telling them to apply for the £400 energy bill support are fake as there is no need to apply for the scheme.

She said you will never be asked for your bank details.

Ms Harris said: “Scam Alert.

“Watch out for fake texts offering you help with your energy bills or telling you to apply for the £400 energy bill support.

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“This will be paid automatically.

“There is no need to apply for the scheme, and you will not be asked for your bank details.

“Households will start receiving the non-repayable £400 off energy bills from October, with the discount made in six instalments to help families throughout the winter period.”

Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, also warned people of the same scam message being circulated.

She added: “The Government is not contacting anyone directly about discounted energy bills through the Energy Bills Support Scheme, as it will be applied directly to your monthly household bill.

“Please be cautious and report any fraudulent message to Action Fraud.”