The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has raised the alarm across its social media channels, issuing an urgent caution to millions on benefits like State Pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, or Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). Scammers are sending texts in a bid to nab their “personal or financial details”.
The DWP warned via Twitter and Facebook: “Be aware of scam text messages claiming to be from @dwpgovuk. Always be careful about links and never share personal or financial details, only engage with trusted official sources.”
They insist that anyone who receives a dubious text should report it immediately on GOV. UK – simply look up ‘avoid and report internet scams and phishing’.
Online fraudsters are likely exploiting the current cost of living pinch and the build-up to Christmas by posing as official entities – these devious schemes are dubbed ‘impersonation scams’. Previously, there have been hoax messages regarding ‘unclaimed cost of living payments’ and the Warm Home Discount, frequently containing ‘direct links’ for claims – a method DWP confirms it never employs.
Those on Universal Credit are ordinarily contacted by their Work Coach through their online journal, reports the Daily Record.
If you receive a text and you’re uncertain whether it’s genuinely from a DWP department, the Scottish Government, Social Security Scotland or HM Revenue and Customs, the safest course of action is to call them directly for verification. This new scam text message alert from the DWP follows another warning issued last month to users of its online services at GOV. UK.
The DWP reminded new and existing claimants that it “does not publish any applications for download to your mobile devices or PCs”, in an attempt to prevent individuals from being duped into sharing their personal and financial information with online fraudsters.
