Yahoo News DWP issues urgent warning to anyone who receives 'DWP' text message
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent warning about scam attempts across its social media channels, alerting millions of benefit recipients, including those getting State Pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, or Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), to be on guard.
The DWP has raised the alarm over fraudulent text messages that are designed to steal "personal or financial details" from unwary individuals. Through posts on X and Facebook, the Department cautioned: "Be aware of scam text messages claiming to be from @dwpgovuk. Always be careful about links and never share personal or financial details, only engage with trusted official sources."
People who receive dubious texts are encouraged by the Department to report them via the GOV.UK website using the search term 'avoid and report internet scams and phishing'.
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As the cost of living crisis intensifies and the holiday season draws nearer, there is a heightened risk of increased activity from online scammers who have previously engaged in impersonation fraud. They have targeted individuals with false messages about 'unclaimed cost of living payments' and the Warm Home Discount, typically using deceptive 'direct links'a tactic not employed by the DWP.
Universal Credit claimants should expect legitimate communications through their online journal from their assigned Work Coach. If you're uncertain about the authenticity of a text purportedly from a DWP department, the Scottish Government, Social Security Scotland, or HM Revenue and Customs, the best course of action is to directly call and verify.
This advice comes as part of a new scam text message alert from the DWP, following a previous warning last month regarding the use of its online services at GOV.UK, reports the DailyRecord. At that time, the DWP cautioned new and existing claimants that it "does not publish any applications for download to your mobile devices or PCs", aiming to prevent individuals from being duped into sharing their personal and financial details with online fraudsters.
