You need to look out for text messages and emails from the Department for Work and Pensions
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has sent out an urgent warning across its social media channels, cautioning the millions of people on benefits to watch out for fake text messages trying to swipe their “personal or financial details”. The alert has been sent to the up to 23.7 million people in Great Britain benefitting from payments that include State Pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
Taking to Twitter and Facebook, the DWP said “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.”
The department has also asked anyone who’s been targeted by suspicious texts to report them through GOV.UK under ‘avoid and report internet scams and phishing’. Amidst the current cost of living squeeze, scammers are stepping up their game, posing as credible authorities like the DWP or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) via ‘impersonation scams’.
There has been a spate of texts floating around, dangling bait such as ‘unclaimed cost of living payments’ and bogus Warm Home Discount offers. The DWP pointed out they’d never send ‘direct links’ for claims – interactions for Universal Credit beneficiaries typically happen through their work coach and online journal.
If you receive a text and you’re uncertain whether it’s genuinely from a DWP department or HM Revenue and Customs, the safest course of action is to ring them for confirmation, reports Bristol Live.
Simple steps to avoid scammers.
Here are some quick checks everyone can perform regularly to identify and avoid potential scams.
Never disclose your financial or personal details.
Avoid sharing your personal or financial information with anyone. This includes refraining from jotting down your banking details.
If you can commit your information to memory, this is the safest approach, but if you do need to note down your details, ensure they’re stored in a secure place and not carried around when shopping. Reputable retailers will never request your PIN, CVC number or other online banking identifiers.
Regularly review your bank statement.
If you spot an unfamiliar transaction, it’s crucial to notify your bank straight away to have the card blocked. Most banks operate a dedicated fraud action line, where you can report the theft and ask for a refund.
Keep tabs on your cards.
If you misplace any of your bank cards or suspect they’ve been nicked, you should get in touch with your bank immediately so they can freeze it.
Many banks now allow you to do this via their app rather than phoning up, which can expedite the process. It might be handy to have your bank’s contact details and phone number at hand, so you can reach out to them if necessary.
Be cautious of dubious emails or texts.
Avoid replying to text messages or emails if you’re unsure about their authenticity. A good rule of thumb is to never reveal private, personal information.
This includes details such as your bank account information or passwords; no reputable company should ever ask for these.
Emails or texts with grammatical errors can often signal a phishing scam from an illegitimate source, so it’s best to steer clear of opening these.
Steer clear of suspicious links.
Refrain from clicking on any links if you’re uncertain about their legitimacy.
Avoid downloading anything sent to you via email or text. It’s recommended to have antivirus software installed, which will scan for malware and protect against phishing attacks.