People awaiting the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Cost of Living payment in the coming weeks and months are said to be a target for fraudsters.
This has led to the service issuing a stern warning urging people not to be fooled by scammers, SomersetLive reports. Payments of hundreds of pounds are being paid out to households struggling during the cost of living crisis as food prices and energy bills continue to soar.
Among the support being provided by the DWP is £650 split over two payments for those claiming benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support. However, this has led to scammers targeting the vulnerable who are in need of financial support.
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It has even been reported on Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) website that text messages claiming to the Government had been sent out, offering £400 to help pay energy bills. As well as a web link, the text read: "GOVUK: You are eligible for a discounted energy bill under the Energy Bills Support Scheme. You can apply here."
Following reports of the message doing the rounds, MSE published an article to say the texts were fake, and anyone receiving them should ignore and report them. And the DWP has followed up with its own warning, aiming to prevent anyone being conned by text.
On Twitter, the DWP said: "Watch out for scammers targeting people about Cost of Living Payments."
The DWP message continues to explain that if you are eligible:
- You do not need to apply for the payment.
- You do not need to call them.
- Payment to you is automatic.
- The DWP will never ask for personal details by SMS or email.
More information about financial help being provided by the DWP in their Cost of Living payments can be found here.
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