People all across the country have received a text alert over an upcoming £150 payment being sent out next week.
Six million benefit claimants are expected to receive the money from Tuesday, June 2020. The disability cost of living payment means that many households will receive a boost to their finances, however, it is important to ensure that any text claiming to be from the DWP is genuine.
Many vulnerable households could be at risk of internet and phishing scams in relation to the cost of living payment. Emails, calls, or text messages could be sent from scammers pretending to be the DWP or any other government agency in an attempt to steal people's information.
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The DWP has highlighted on multiple occasions that the cost of living payment is automatic and eligible people will not need to apply for it. Because of this, if you receive a message asking you to apply or contact someone in regard to the payment, there's a chance it's a scam and could see someone stealing you personal data such as passwords or banking.
If you think you've been targeted by a scam, the government recommends reporting the website, email, phone number, phone call, or text. It adds that you should not give out any private information, reply to text messages, download attachments or click on any links in emails if you're not sure it's genuine.
How to report a scam
Depending on how you may have been targeted by a scam, there's a wide range of options to report it.
Emails
Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will investigate it.
Text messages
You can forward suspicious text messages to 7726 free of charge. This will report the message to your mobile phone provider.
Online
You should contact Action fraud if you may have lost money due to an online scam by either:
- report online - either sign up for an account or continue as a ‘guest’
- call 0300 123 2040
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