The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent national alert to millions of benefit claimants across the UK, warning of a sophisticated new wave of fraud attempts targeting vulnerable households.
Officials have raised the alarm after detecting a significant surge in convincing text, email, and phone call scams designed to steal personal information and money from those receiving Universal Credit, State Pension, and other benefits.
How The Scam Operates
Fraudsters are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, often impersonating legitimate DWP channels. The most common approaches include:
- Fake text messages claiming you're owed a cost-of-living payment or refund
- Phishing emails with official-looking logos requesting you 'verify your details'
- Cold calls threatening to suspend your benefits unless immediate action is taken
- Social media messages offering to help you apply for additional financial support
Red Flags Every Claimant Must Know
Genuine DWP communications will never:
- Ask for your bank details or password via text or email
- Request you transfer money to receive a payment
- Pressure you into making immediate decisions
- Contact you via WhatsApp or other unofficial messaging platforms
The department emphasises that legitimate cost-of-living payments are processed automatically – no application is required.
What To Do If You're Targeted
If you receive a suspicious communication:
- Do not click any links or download attachments
- Never provide personal or financial information
- Contact DWP directly through official channels to verify
- Report the attempt to Action Fraud immediately
Victims who have already provided details should contact their bank without delay and report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
The warning comes amid growing concerns about financially vulnerable households being targeted during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The DWP has pledged to continue working with telecom companies and law enforcement to identify and disrupt scam operations.
