DWP warning of new scam

[peege]

'Be aware'In the scam, criminals are sending text messages claiming to be from ‘the Government’.

The messages tell people that their Cost of Living payment is ready to be 'claimed' and says people need to click a link in the text to apply.

However, when the link is clicked on, it takes the claimant to a fake website where they’re asked to hand over personal details including their name, address, email address, phone number and card details.

No need to claim

The Cost of Living payments actually are automatically paid by the DWP to those who are entitled to them, so there’s no need to claim.

‘All Cost of Living payments are sent out automatically and directly to those eligible, and customers do not need to apply or contact the Government at any stage.’ advises a spokesperson from DWP.

‘If you have had a message asking you to apply, accept or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.’

I took this off today's Mumsnet 13.09.23

[Yumz199725]

This is so terrible thanks for bringing this to our attention I would never fall for something like this because it's so true its automatically paid into your bank you don't have to claim anything, people are so desperate and will literally do anything! 💔

[sassy59]

Thank you peege, so many scams around. The scammers have sunk to a new low.

Take care xxx 🩷

[Jaybird19]

if you are new hen you might not now this . i didnt .

[peege in reply to Jaybird19]

So many hard up families, single mums and pensioners waiting and anxious to know what their next Cost of Living payment is coming....... if you can pass it on it might just help one person. Thanks

[Ern007]

I am with TalkTalk and got a call. You are behind with you payment, pay now or be cut off - I said OK cut me of, I am not bothered knowing full well I pay by DD and never fall behind - There are lots of scams - Only one thing to do, ignore and COL payments are made automatic as you say.

[Patk1]

Thanku x

[Ergendl]

At the moment I am being bombarded by invitations from members of websites of dubious reputation. I send them all off to [e-mail] . The gov.uk email back this morning said:

"As of August 31st 2023, the number of reports received stand at more than 23,927,000, with the removal of more than 142,900 scams across 261,100 URLs."

There are other places you can report scam calls and texts to. It's worth doing, as that way people are working to stop them.

[Izb1 in reply to Ergendl]

Yes Ergendl I report all mine, its the only way to tackle it. Thanks Peege for the heads up on yet another scam x

[peege in reply to Ergendl]

Cripes nearly 24 million, thats horrendous Ergendl! So do you just forward the offending emails to [e-mail] ?

I get few calls as my smartphone blocks 08 numbers, have no landlines phone and I'm not on the open electoral register. I do get daily ad emails some inappropriate dating sites. As if!

[Ergendl in reply to peege]

Yes, I just forward them and put in the email address. Sometimes put in a bit of info, like 'I didn't sign up to this dating website', but often don't. The more we send there, the more evidence they'll have to track down the offenders and take down the websites and bots causing the problems.

[Nula2]

Thank you peege. xxx

[Spanielblue]

Thank you for the warning. It is always good to be aware of what might happen.

[leo60]

Thank you Peege, it's so easy to fall for these scams, forewarned is forearmed 👏👏 xx

[watergazer]

Thanks for posting peege x

[Alberta56]

Thank you.

[Pugs4love]

There so many doing these scam your afraid to speak on the phone in case you make a slip up thanks for sharing that Diane x