DWP warning after people on Universal Credit, JSA, PIP over wake up to text message

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued a warning after people on Universal Credit, the Jobseekers Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) woke up to an alarming text message. The DWP has warned benefit recipients about scam text messages.

The DWP has urged people to never click on links or share your personal details if you receive a random message out of the blue. In a statement shared across X/Twitter and Facebook, 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.” One of the messages reads: “UK Home Office notice for you: According to the reduction of Winter heating subsidies, the living expenses subsidy will be paid as a result of the parliamentary decision.

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"When you receive the information, it means that you have obtained the qualification to apply. The application channel will be closed on October 19, 2024. “Please update the information in the link and we will distribute the living allowance in early November. Thank you for your support to the UK Home Office.”

Most phone providers are part of a scheme that allows customers to report suspicious text messages for free by forwarding it to 7726. If you forward a text to 7726, your provider can investigate the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender, if it's found to be malicious.

Phone scammers will call you unsolicited, pretending to be from an organisation you trust, such as your bank or the police. These scam calls may be automated, or from a real person. They may ask you for your personal information like banking details, or tell you you need to transfer money.