The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has sounded the alarm over a sharp rise in scam emails targeting Universal Credit claimants. Fraudsters are posing as government officials to steal personal and financial details.
How the Scam Works
Criminals are sending convincing emails that appear to be from the DWP, asking recipients to verify their Universal Credit details. These messages often contain malicious links designed to harvest sensitive information.
What to Look Out For
- Emails requesting personal or banking information
- Messages with urgent deadlines or threats of benefit suspension
- Links to unfamiliar websites
- Poor grammar or spelling mistakes
Official Advice from DWP
The DWP has reiterated that it will never ask for personal details via email. Recipients are advised to:
- Never click on links in suspicious emails
- Report fraudulent messages to Action Fraud
- Contact DWP directly through official channels if unsure
With benefit fraud on the rise, authorities are urging claimants to remain vigilant against these sophisticated phishing attempts.
