The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has this week issued a warning, following a series of scams circulating to people about Cost of Living payments. It comes as the second payment of £324 for eligible customers receiving tax credits lands in bank accounts this week.
In its tweet, the DWP said: "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."
Just last week, the DWP also warned customers to be "fraud aware" and to protect personal details at all times, adding that information "could be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud". It shared a link to the official Action Fraud website and those commenting pleaded with the DWP to continue to spread these messages "to help those most vulnerable".
Read more: DWP: Christmas 2022 payment dates for Universal Credit, PIP and Child Benefit
Action Fraud, the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre, has previously shared warnings as criminals exploit the cost of living crisis to target the public with energy rebate scams. Back in the summer, before energy prices were set to increase, a total of 1,567 phishing emails related to such a scam were reported via the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) and this was in the two weeks from Monday, August 22 to Monday, September 5 alone.
An Ofgem spokesperson said: “Protecting consumers is our top priority and it is alarming that vulnerable customers are being preyed upon in this way when people are already struggling so much. That’s why, as energy regulator, on top of issuing our own warnings and advice, we have asked all energy suppliers to ensure clear and up to date information on scams is easily accessible on their websites.
“We take these attempts to exploit consumers very seriously and work with the National Cyber Security Centre to prevent these malicious attacks. If people are unsure if something is a scam they should pause, check and don’t let callers push you into anything. Genuine organisations won’t mind you calling back; only scammers apply pressure and insist you hand over details immediately.
"If you have any doubts about a message, consumers should contact the organisation directly and not use the numbers or address in the message – use the details from their official website.”
Action Fraud also listed ways customers can protect themselves:
- If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly.
- Don’t use the numbers or address in the message – use the details from their official website. Remember, your bank (or any other official source) will never ask you to supply personal information via email.
- If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Send emails that feel suspicious, even if you're not certain they're a scam - Action Fraud can check.
- Follow the Take Five to Stop Fraud 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.
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- Mum-of-three forced on to prepayment meter by Ovo after energy bill doubled within a month
- Bristol prepares for a tough winter as the UK faces the biggest fall in living standards on record
