Trading Standards have received information about a scam text message in circulation, regarding the Household Support Fund. 

The text advises the recipient that they are eligible for financial support and provides a link to apply within a short deadline. 

Nottinghamshire County Council will never send a text message regarding the Household Support Fund. Residents that are eligible for the fund will be contacted by letter. 

Information about the Household Support Fund is available on the Nottinghamshire County Council website at Nottinghamshire Household Support Fund (HSF) Phase 6 | Nottinghamshire County Council

The aim of a fraudulent message – whether it’s sent by SMS, WhatsApp, or other messaging service – is usually to get you to click on a link. This link will take you to a fake website that can steal your data and money or infect your device with a virus.

If you get a text claiming to be from Nottinghamshire County Council and you're not sure if the sender is genuine, contact the Council customer services directly online or if you prefer, on the phone 0300 500 80 80.

If you get a suspicious text message, you can forward it to the number 7726 – this will allow your provider to track the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender if it's a scam. You can also report scam text messages to report@phishing.gov.uk by providing a screenshot of the text message.

If you have received a scam message and made a payment, contact your bank as soon as possible to cancel the payment.

For further support, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.