State pensioners warned text message landing on phones could 'empty bank account'
State pensioners have been warned over a text message landing on phones today which could EMPTY their bank account. Trading Standards is warning residents to be on their guard following reports of an unsolicited text message claiming to be from the UK Government Living Allowance Office.
The text reads: “UK Government Living Allowance Office Last Time Reminder: Due to the reduction of winter heating subsidy, you can no longer receive it, and the uk government has decided to advance the living subsidy to allow you to survive the winter.
"We will reopen applications. Please apply for your living subsidy in the link as soon as possible after receiving the information. If you do not submit an application before 2024/10/15, we will cancel your qualification and reallocate the funds.”
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Mark McGinty Trading Standards Team Leader stated: “Please be careful when you receive a text message from a Government Body, it’s not usually something that Government Bodies do, and if you think the text means something to you please go to your original source and check things out that way”.
Mr McGinty added: “Scam texts are designed to get your interest and mislead you into thinking you are doing the right thing by responding. Responding will only give the scammers what they need to exploit you, usually financially, by emptying your bank account. Please take a minute to think and if in doubt do not engage.”
The texts are reportedly targeting pensioners who've lost the £300 Winter Fuel Allowance. Never click on any links in the text, be suspicious and beware of pressure selling tactics. These can include being told time is of the essence, Trading Standards said.
Always check with the Government Body in another way, the .gov website is a good starting point, do not rely on a number provided in the text and do not provide any personal information. Report the text by using 7726.