DWP issues 'be aware' alert to people on State Pension, Universal Credit, PIP, JSA

DWP issues 'be aware' alert to people on State Pension, Universal Credit, PIP, JSA

by · Birmingham Live

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued an urgent warning to millions on state pension, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit. The DWP has issued an urgent warning to millions of benefit recipients about fraudulent text messages attempting to steal personal and financial information.

The alert targets all those receiving DWP benefits such as state pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, and Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). 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." The DWP has urged anyone receiving suspicious messages to report them through the GOV.UK website or Action Fraud UK @actionfrauduk.

READ MORE UK set for new snow bomb which will 'explode' this weekend with 9 inches dumped

Epping Forest District Council warned: "A resident recently received a text message claiming the recipient of the message was entitled to a new round of winter heating subsidies approved by their local council. The message urges you to give your details via a link to receive the subsidy within 7 days.

"It looked like a genuine text, but was a fake message known as phishing. Criminals use fake messages to get you to click on links in their scam text or email to give away sensitive information such as bank details. The resident was suspicious of the message and reported it to us immediately."

Councillor Smruti Patel, Cabinet Member responsible for Customer Services said: "Please be vigilant and report any fraudulent attempts immediately. Anyone can fall victim to a scam. Criminals are becoming increasingly clever in their attempts to take advantage of people and many of these scams look legitimate on first impression.

"If you have fallen victim to this type of scam, report it to Action Fraud. I also encourage you to contact us and get help if the scam relates to the council."