Cost of Living Payment scams are worth being aware of – so you can steer clear of them.
And the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a new warning about a current text scam, so people aren’t potentially duped into giving away their personal information.
The scam SMS message begins with the word ‘GOV’ and tells the recipient they are entitled to a ‘£750 Living Payment’.
It also instructs them to ‘take action’ and ‘claim’ the money by clicking a link provided in the message.
The full text may read something like: ‘GOV: The £750.00 (GBP) Living Payment is ready, take action by accepting the payment via legalaid.income-division.com’.
But clicking the link – not an official DWP or government website – may take you to a website that demands your personal details – such as your name, address, birth date, or even banking information, which could potentially be used to steal money.
However, if you are actually entitled to a Cost of Living payment, you don’t need to claim it or get in touch with the government at all.
In fact, it’ll arrive in your bank account automatically if you’re eligible.
A DWP spokesperson confirmed in a statement: ‘All Cost of Living Payments are sent out automatically and directly to those eligible, and customers do not need to apply or contact the government at any stage.
‘If you have had a message asking you to apply, accept or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.’
The DWP indicated it would not ask people for personal details via text message or email, either.
If you’re concerned you may have been sent a scam text message, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) says you can report it for free by forwarding the text to number 7726.
And if you think you might have fallen for a scam, here’s who to contact to get help and report it.
The Cost of Living Payments are part of the government’s attempts to tackle the cost of living crisis.
Eligible people who receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit, are entitled to the payments – which are due to arrive at set times throughout 2023 and 2024.
Find out more about the next Cost of Living Payment date with Metro.co.uk’s guide here.
You can also find out more about who is eligible for the payments, and how the payment will appear on your bank statement.
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