The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning about scams related to cost of living assistance following reports of scam phone calls, emails and text messages. In one such example, the recipient is asked to claim or apply for the payment by registering via a link. The links in the emails and texts lead to genuine looking websites that are designed to steal personal and financial information.
Please remember, if you are eligible for cost of living assistance, you do no need to apply for the payment or contact the DWP directly. Payment to you is automatic and the DWP will never ask for personal details by SMS or email.
Here are some tips to help you avoid scams:
- Be sceptical: Be wary of unsolicited texts, emails or social media messages that ask you to click on links. If it sounds too good to be true then that’s what it is, not true.
- Check the sender: Look for signs the sender is not legitimate, such as poor grammar, spelling errors, website addresses not correct and a long phone number. If the phone number starts + be highly suspicious of any number not starting +44
- Don't reply: Don't reply to the text or use the numbers or address in the message.
- Contact the organisation directly: If you have doubts about the message, contact the organisation directly.
- Check with your bank: Check your bank’s website to see how they communicate with you and what security questions they will ask. Your bank will never ask you for your card PIN or your internet banking password.
- Use official details: Use details from the organisation’s website or directory enquiries and not the numbers or address in the messages
- Be careful with personal information: Banks and other official sources will never ask you to provide personal information via email or text.
- Check the source: Search for reviews of the company/offer on the web – these often flag up that the website is new and a scam.
- Report the scam: Forward the email or text to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk or to 7726.
