It's not always easy to spot phishing emails. Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information or click on a link which could download viruses onto your computer. It's one of the most common methods of cyber crime, but despite how much we think we know about scam emails, many of us still fall victim.
If you're in doubt over any email claiming to be from us, don't click any links. Please attach it to a new email and send it to phishing@britishgas.co.uk. Then delete it straight away.
Not a business? Go to our British Gas residential website for help.
We email you for lots of reasons, like letting you know when your next bill is ready, confirming a payment or telling you about new offers we think you might like.
The most important thing to be wary of is website links. Most of the links in our emails will take you to the British Gas business website (www.britishgas.co.uk/business) – but there are a few rare exceptions.
Whenever you hover over a link, you might see a redirect link from your e-mail provider, which starts with something like this:
https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbritishgas-ukb-prod.quadientcloud.eu%2Fapi%2Fquery%2FMessenger%2FTrackerQuery...
They will recognise phishing emails and warn you if they think it's suspicious. And if it's a genuine email from British Gas business, you'll see our domain name within this link (britishgas-ukb-prod). But some providers don't use redirect links. So instead, you should see britishgas.co.uk when you hover over a link.
If you're in any doubt, don't click on any links. And if you get an email asking for payment, open a new web browser and access your account directly from the britishgas.co.uk/business website. There you'll see any genuine outstanding payments or transactions you need to make.
Remember: If you're in doubt over any email claiming to be from us, don't click any links. Please attach it to a new email and send it to phishing@britishgas.co.uk. Then delete it straight away.
Sometimes criminals use scam emails or text messages to distribute malicious software or 'malware'.
Their goal is often to convince you to click a link. Once clicked, you may be sent to a dodgy website which could download viruses onto your computer, or steal your passwords and personal information.
These attachments or links will attempt to download malicious software onto your computer that could allow criminals to capture what you type, or compromise your personal files.
For more information about password managers, visit:
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) - Password managers: how they help you secure passwords
For more help on how to protect yourself online visit:
Get safe online – free expert advice
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – Top tips for staying secure online