The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned of a popular new scam targeted at millions who are set to receive lump cost of living payments across the UK.
The payments are designed to help ease financial woes over the coming months, after rife levels of inflation and constantly increasing energy bills have ran riot over the last year or so.
In excess of eight million homeowners are set to receive the first part of the £900 means-tested benefit in spring - coming in at £301.
Read more: DWP sets out new PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance rates from April 2023
The Daily Record reports that this will be followed in the summer by the £150 disability cost of living payment which is expected to help six million people across Great Britain.
A further means-tested payment of £300 and the pensioner cost of living payment of £300 - being added to the 2023/24 Winter Fuel Payment - will be made in the autumn, with a final payment of £299 in spring 2024 for those on a low income.
However, the DWP has taken to social media to warn everyone expecting to receive a payment over the coming months to watch out for scammers trying to take advantage of the cost of living crisis. DWP is reminding people that if you are eligible for a payment, you do not need to apply for it as the money will arrive in your bank account automatically.
In the Twitter post it also warned that they will never ask for personal details in a text message or an email.
DWP posted: “Watch out for scammers targeting people about #CostOfLiving Payments
“If you're eligible
- You do not need to apply for the payment
- You do not need to call us
- Payment to you is automatic
- We will never ask for personal details by SMS or email.”
The new social media warning reiterates the guidance on the official Cost of Living Payments page on GOV.UK.
The guidance states: “You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you’re getting certain benefits or Tax Credits.
“You do not need to apply. You’ll be paid automatically. If you have had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.”
If you do receive a text message asking you to apply for any of the cost of living payments, DWP advises that you forward it to 7726 - which is completely free to do and simply reports the message to your mobile phone provider.
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