The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a fraud warning. It comes with a stark alert that reads: "Your information can be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud."
In November last year Auction Fraud made more than 100 arrests in the UK's biggest fraud operation. At the time, more than 200,000 potential UK victims were said to have been directly targeted through the fraud website iSpoof.
At one stage, almost 20 people every minute of the day were being contacted by scammers hiding behind false identities using the site and posing to be from banks including Barclays, Santander, HSBC, Lloyds, Halifax, First Direct, Natwest, Nationwide and TSB. Now, the DWP is reinforcing its alert to be vigilant when it comes to personal information.
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Using its Twitter platform to get its message across, DWP said: "Be fraud aware and protect your personal details at all times." It added: "Your information could be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud."
Action Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, and it is aware of a number of scams currently circulating relating to energy bill rebates, cost of living payments and investments. Between September 1, 2022, and November 13 2022, it received more than 350 reports relating to fake energy bill rebate text message and emails - all purporting to be from the UK Government.
After urging people to be on their guard when it comes to their personal information, the Government department outlined how it would contact benefit claimants should it need. It said: "DWP may ask you to submit ID such as your passport."
But it added: "We will always add a message to your journal to prove it is us." The alert continued: "Your information can be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud."
Action Fraud said: "Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police." It has issued the following advice.
Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
Challenge: Could it be fake? It's OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you've fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
Report: Suspicious emails can be reported by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk. You can also report suspicious text message by forwarding them to 7726 (it's free of charge). Your reports help to remove the emails and websites used to perpetrate fraud and cyber crime.
If you think that you have been a victim of fraud or believe you are being targeted, you can also call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
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