Millions of people across the UK are set to receive their cost of living payments, but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is worried about scammers taking advantage.
With energy bill discount scams and Whatsapp scams already circulating, the cost of living payments scam is the latest scam to be aware of.
Here, we reveal how to spot cost-of-living payment scams and how to protect yourself from them.
The latest cost of living payment scams
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) took to Twitter to warn millions of Brits to watch out for scammers targeting those who receive up to £1,350 in cost-of-living payments.
Watch out for scammers targeting people about #CostOfLiving PaymentsIf you're eligible- You do not need to apply for the payment- You do not need to call us- Payment to you is automatic- We will never ask for personal details by SMS or emailVisit https://t.co/CuNagQH0cG pic.twitter.com/j3YHqQhSUrJanuary 9, 2023
Action Fraud (opens in new tab) gives an example of a cost of living payment scam. You might receive a text message or email that tells you to apply for the payment by registering via a link they have provided.
If you click the link, it will look like you’re going to a legitimate website, but they are designed to steal sensitive information like personal and financial.
In DWP’s tweet, they tell you how to identify if you ever receive the scam.
- You don’t need to apply for the payment
- You don’t need to call DWP
- DWP will never contact you via SMS or email to ask for your personal details
- You will receive the payment automatically.
Other scams to be aware of
Other common scams you need to be aware of include:
- Energy bill discount scam - The scam that is circulating, asking people to apply for the £400 energy rebate and the link given takes you to a fake Ofgem website.
- The gov.uk email scam - This one asks people to open up a ‘letter’ sent via email, which opens up a link and tells you to enter your vehicle registration number.
- It’s worth checking all of the other latest scams to be aware of, how to protect yourself and what to do if you fall victim to one.
How to spot a scam
Citizens Advice offers some useful tips on signs to spot which are big giveaways that it’s a scam.
- You’re being pressured to transfer money quickly
- If the offer seems extravagant or too good to be true, it might be a scam
- Check for typos or grammatical errors
- You are asked to make a payment in an odd way, for example by using a transfer service
What should I do if I have been scammed?
The first step, if you have given sensitive information or made a payment, you should contact your bank provider straight away.
You can report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or if you received a text, you can report it to your mobile provider by forwarding the text to 7726.
Citizens Advice also take scam reports, so if you’ve received a post, telephone or doorstep scam you can report this on their website or call 0808 223 1133.
Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty said: “We know scammers prey on our worries and fears and the cost of living crisis is no exception.
“By reporting scams and sharing our own experiences, we can work together to protect ourselves and each other.”
More on scams
-
-
Selling second-hand: do I need to pay tax?
If you sell on sites like eBay and Facebook – do you need to pay tax on money earned?
-
Broadband scams warning: scam calls cash in on upcoming price hikes
As broadband prices are set to hike from April, so are broadband scam - we explain how to spot the scams
-
Selling second-hand: do I need to pay tax?
If you sell on sites like eBay and Facebook – do you need to pay tax on money earned?
-
Broadband scams warning: scam calls cash in on upcoming price hikes
As broadband prices are set to hike from April, so are broadband scam - we explain how to spot the scams
-
Revealed: Airline exchange rate rip-off hikes flight costs up to 11%
Some airlines add a hefty markup when flights are paid for in sterling rather than a different currency. We reveal which airlines use a poor exchange rate - and how to avoid getting stung
-
Nectar Big Points Bonanza: boost your Nectar points balance this week
Earn thousands of extra Nectar points by 4 February through Nectar Big Points Bonanza
-
TV licence scam warning: how to spot the latest fake emails
How TV Licence scam emails pressure you to part with your bank details
-
Food inflation hits record 16.7% - is it time to switch to a cheaper supermarket?
With food inflation at a record high, is it time to switch to a cheaper supermarket? Find out which comes out as the cheapest and how much you can save
-
Reforms to child maintenance to support domestic abuse victims
Mothers will be protected from having direct contact with abusive ex-partners when claiming child maintenance payments under new reforms
-
Thousands caught out by high-income child benefit tax charge
Ten years on from the introduction of the high income child benefit charge, we explain how it works, who needs to pay it, and how to avoid fines
