DWP warns people on Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, Housing Benefit 'do not engage'

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued an urgent warning to people who claim Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Housing Benefit as we head through the winter period.

The DWP has issued a warning to "be aware" of scam text messages. On Twitter/X, the DWP warned: "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. You can report suspicious messages to @actionfrauduk or search https://gov.uk." Citizens Advice are warning people to beware of a scam UC app called “Universal Credit UK”, which is targeted on people worried or confused by the UC claims process, especially with managed migration in the news at the moment.

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Citizens Advice say that the DWP is investigating the app and warns people not to respond to any suspicious text messages. The app is still available on the Apple Store, which lists the developers address as Benin City in Nigeria.

Anyone who has given information to the scam should report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. A quick web search reveals a number of other UC apps available for use on Android phones, but none of them are in any way connected with the DWP.

Citizens Advice warns: “People should use only the DWP Universal Credit website, and if you are unsure how to claim, the Citizens Advice Help To Claim service can offer support on 0800 144 8 444.” Separately, benefits claimants are being warned that scammers are targeting them as bogus texts and links are being increasingly widely circulated.

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.

“Thank you for your support to the UK Government”