The DWP is issuing an urgent warning to Britons about the State Pension, PIP and Universal Credit

On November 20, 2024By Littum

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent warning to millions of benefit recipients about fraudulent text messages trying to steal personal and financial information.

The warning is aimed at all those receiving DWP benefits such as the State Pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance and Jobseekers Allowance (JSA).

With the cost of living crisis and the festive season approaching, fraudsters are increasingly trying to impersonate the DWP through text messages, putting vulnerable benefit recipients at risk.

The warning comes as fraudsters employ sophisticated tactics to trick people into sharing sensitive details through fake official announcements.

In a statement shared on Twitter and Facebook, the DWP warned: “Be aware of scam text messages claiming to be from @dwpgovuk.

“Always be careful with links and never share personal or financial details. Only contact trusted official sources,”

The DWP has urged anyone who receives suspicious messages to report them via the GOV.UK website or Action Fraud UK

The DWP has urged anyone who receives suspicious messages to report them via the GOV.UK website or Action Fraud UK @actionfrauduk.

Beneficiaries can find guidance by searching for ‘avoid and report internet fraud and phishing’ on the official government portal.

Previous scams have specifically targeted people with fake messages about ‘unclaimed living expenses payments’ and the Warm Home discount.

These fraudulent messages often include direct links to make a claim – a method the DWP has confirmed it never uses.

According to Trading Standards, there have been reports of scam text messages saying people may be eligible to receive a “UK Government Living Allowance” for 2023-2024.

They are asked to click on the link in the message within 24 hours to claim the subsidy, reports suggest.

The full text reads: “We will start paying living expenses to help you through the winter. If you receive information that proves you are eligible to apply, please update your information in the link as soon as possible to claim on them.

“We close the application deadline tomorrow. Please apply as soon as possible. If you do not receive it after the time, we will redistribute the funds to other citizens in need.”

Fraudsters are particularly active during the current cost of living crisis, using so-called “impersonation scams” to pose as official government entities.

The scammers create convincing messages in an attempt to trick recipients into clicking on links or sharing sensitive information.

Universal Credit claimants are typically contacted by their Work Coach through their online record rather than via text message.

The DWP advises that anyone who is unsure about a text message claiming to be from a DWP department, the Scottish Government, Social Security Scotland or HM Revenue and Customs should call these organizations directly to confirm.

The latest warning follows previous warnings about the misuse of DWP’s online services, highlighting the DWP’s ongoing efforts to protect benefit recipients from fraud.

The DWP has also recently stressed that it “does not publish any applications for download to your mobile devices or PCs”.

Complainants are reminded to be vigilant and never share personal or financial information through unsolicited messages or links.