Scam warning over Household Support Fund
The recent extension of the Department for Work and Pensions' Household Support Fund will indeed bring much-needed relief to vulnerable island households, but it also comes with the risk of scammers exploiting the situation.
It's crucial for residents to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of any communication they receive regarding support.
The Isle of Wight Council has been actively administering genuine support schemes through this fund.
In recent months, they have assisted over 1,100 pensioner households with £75 towards utility costs and provided £25 supermarket vouchers to 290 households in financial crisis.
If you have applied for utility or food support through the Isle of Wight Council or a partner organisation, you will receive a pre-paid card or voucher via email from noreply@evouchers.com.
If you do not redeem the support, a reminder will be sent from support@evouchers.com.
Personal details will never be requested via text or email, and bank details are not required for genuine support.
For any doubts about the legitimacy of a message, you can contact the Partnerships and Support Services team at 823644 or via hsf@iow.gov.uk.
A list of partner organisations involved in the scheme can be found on the Isle of Wight Council's webpage, Food vouchers and housing, HSF.
You can also call the council's main contact centre on 821000 and ask for the team, if you are unsure.
Stay safe and ensure you verify any communication to protect yourself from potential scams.
Reporting a scam • For advice on scams call - Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 250 5050 • To report a scam call - Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040
For more information on scams visit www.iwasp.org.uk
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