When was the last time you looked through your WhatsApp?? Idk about you but for me, that App has become almost as arduous as email.
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I used to be a text person, so no calls, just text. Now I can’t even do texts but to navigate the festive season, I’m going to have to be an adult and send out a round of texts. It’s interesting to consider the energy implications of our everyday actions, including something as simple as sending a Christmas text message. Here’s a breakdown of the energy involved and some cautionary notes on scams related to energy support during this time.
Energy Consumption of Sending a Text Message
Sending a text message, or SMS, is a relatively energy-efficient process.
– Network Energy: When you send a text message, it travels through the cellular network. The energy consumption associated with this process is minimal. Studies suggest that sending a single text message uses approximately 0.014 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy, which is an extremely small amount.
– Device Energy: The energy used by your phone to send the text is also negligible. Modern smartphones are designed to be energy-efficient, and the battery life is primarily affected by activities like browsing, gaming, and video streaming rather than texting.
Plot twist, holiday season is also the perfect time for scammers!
While the energy consumption of sending a text is minimal, it’s crucial to be aware of scams that exploit concerns about energy bills and government support schemes, especially during the holiday season.
– Fake Energy Bill Support Scams: Scammers are taking advantage of government energy support schemes by sending fake texts and emails. These messages often claim you are eligible for a discounted energy bill or a cost-of-living subsidy and ask you to click on a link to apply. However, these links are malicious and designed to steal your personal and financial information.
– Reporting Scams: If you receive such a message, do not click on the link. Instead, forward the message to 7726 to report the scam and block the phone number. Official government support, such as the £400 energy bill discount, is applied automatically to your energy account and does not require you to apply or provide personal details.
– Legitimate Support: For genuine help with energy bills, you should refer to official government websites or contact your local council. Each council has its own application process for household support funds, and these will not involve texting you for personal details.
Scams seem like no brainers until they actually happen to you. So you really need to be vigilant. I just ordered a new card from my bank because I thought I was being scammed. The whole time it was just my subscriptions. Stay woke ya’ll!
Sending a Christmas text message is an energy-efficient way to connect with loved ones, using only a tiny fraction of energy. Always verify information through official channels and never provide personal details in response to unsolicited texts or emails.
References
Which?. “Beware of this scam text offering you fake government energy bill support.” [https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/beware-of-this-scam-text-offering-you-fake-government-energy-bill-support-aNkqp4d5ugIM](https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/beware-of-this-scam-text-offering-you-fake-government-energy-bill-support-aNkqp4d5ugIM)
Money Wellness. “Watch out for cost-of-living scam texts this winter.” [https://www.moneywellness.com/blog/watch-out-for-cost-of-living-scam-texts-this-winter](https://www.moneywellness.com/blog/watch-out-for-cost-of-living-scam-texts-this-winter)
Deeside.com. “Revealed: the 12 scams of Christmas, and how to avoid them.” [https://www.deeside.com/revealed-the-12-scams-of-christmas-and-how-to-avoid-them/](https://www.deeside.com/revealed-the-12-scams-of-christmas-and-how-to-avoid-them/)
BBC News. “Warning over scam energy bill support messages.” (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-62967556)
Age UK.”Winter Payment ‘Phishing’ scams.” [https://www.ageuk.org.uk/birmingham/about-us/news/articles/2024/winter-payment-phishing/](https://www.ageuk.org.uk/birmingham/about-us/news/articles/2024/winter-payment-phishing/)
Money Saving Expert. “Warning: watch out for scam texts offering you help with your energy bills.” [(https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/09/warning–watch-out-for-scam-text-offering-fake-government-text-o/)