DWP issues urgent update over cost of living payment 'direct link' alert

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent alert via its social media platforms, warning recipients of benefits like the State Pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, and Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) against fraudulent text messages aimed at snatching their "personal or financial details".

In a message shared on X and Facebook, the DWP 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."

They advised that anyone who suspects they have received a phoney text should report it on GOV.UK under 'avoid and report internet scams and phishing'. As we confront the cost of living crisis and approach Christmas, online fraudsters may attempt such 'impersonation scams' by masquerading as government agencies.

Previous scams involved false messages about 'unclaimed cost of living payments' and the Warm Home Discount, often featuring 'direct links' to make claims, which is not a method used by the DWP. Communication with Universal Credit claimants is often through their Work Coach via the online journal.

If you're uncertain about the authenticity of a text claiming to be from a DWP department, or HM Revenue and Customs, it's best to verify by calling them directly. This advice comes as part of a new scam alert from the DWP, following a previous warning last month for users of its GOV, reports the Daily Record.

UK online services. The DWP had cautioned that it "does not publish any applications for download to your mobile devices or PCs", aiming to prevent people from being duped into sharing their personal and financial details with online fraudsters.