DWP scam warning as 'alarms went off' over suspicious text

Scammers have been targeting benefit recipients with fraudulent texts, prompting a warning from the Department of Work and Pensions. Crooks have been suggesting money could be owed in a bid to convince people to hand over their bank card details.

One Reddit user said 'alarms went off' when they received a suspicious text. They took to the forum to ask fellow claimants whether the message was legitimate.

Posting screenshots of the message, they said: "I got this text, soon as I saw it needed my card details, alarms went off." The text, from an unknown number, read: "Please note that the Parliament has decided after deliberation that the 2023-2024 of social general welfare has been fully issued, and individual additional subsidies have been opened online application channel, you have met the requirements, this is the last time we contact you, if you do not need this assistance, Your place will be reserved for those who need it more. Please pay attention to this choice. Your confirmation date is November 15."

READ MORE: DWP explains three-track Universal Credit change and who gets payment top-up

A link was then included in the message, which led to a page that looked similar to the gov.uk website and requested bank card details to be entered. A message on the page read: "To ensure you receive the remittance as soon as possible, please carefully verify the bank card information you have provided for receiving payments."

One forum user responded: "Yes. Its a scam. You wouldn't be messaged off a dodgy mobile number or asked to click some random Bitly link. Block it, don't fill anything out. As Action Fraud suggest, report it as a scam by forwarding it to 7726."

Another said: "Never even click on these links! They’re mass sent texts and clicking links or giving any details will only allow the scammers to know you have an active number, will sell such details on and result in future scam calls/texts."

The DWP has also addressed the issue of scams on its social media channels. It said: "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."

Those who have received suspect messages were advised to report it at GOV.UK by searching 'avoid and report internet scams and phishing'.