The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent warning for people who receive State Pension or benefits like Universal Credit, PIP, and ESA. A new scam is spreading fast, where fake text messages are being sent to trick people into giving away their personal or banking details.
These messages may look official and say that your benefits are at risk unless you take action immediately. But don’t believe them. The DWP has made it clear that they never ask for sensitive information through text messages. This scam is designed to steal your money and identity.
Let’s look at how these scams work, how to identify them, and what steps you should take to protect yourself.
What Do These Scam Messages Say?
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Scammers are pretending to be the DWP and sending texts that often say:
- “Your DWP payment has been stopped. Update your information here.”
- “We need your bank details to process your next Universal Credit payment.”
- “You are eligible for a payment increase. Confirm your details now.”
These messages usually contain a link. That link takes you to a fake website where you’ll be asked to enter your details. Once you do, the scammers can use your information to steal money from your account or even stop your benefit payments.
How to Know It’s a Scam
These text scams are getting more advanced, but there are some clear signs to watch out for:
- The message comes out of nowhere and asks for personal or bank details.
- There’s a sense of urgency. Phrases like “Act now” or “Your payments will stop” are used to scare you.
- The website link in the message doesn’t end in .gov.uk, or it looks strange.
- There may be spelling mistakes or bad grammar.
If anything feels wrong or confusing, don’t click on the link. Always double-check on official channels.
What the DWP Actually Does
The DWP does not send messages asking for personal or banking information. If they need to contact you, they will:
- Write to you by post, or
- Send a message through your secure Universal Credit account, if you have one.
They will never ask you to click on random links or fill in your bank details by text or WhatsApp.
What to Do If You Get a Suspicious Text
If you receive a message that looks suspicious, here’s what to do:
- Do not click on any links.
- Do not reply to the message.
- Forward the text to 7726, which is the official number to report spam texts.
- Delete the message from your phone.
- If you’ve already clicked on the link or given out personal details, contact your bank immediately and inform the DWP or Jobcentre Plus.
Who Is Being Targeted?
Scammers often go after people who rely on benefits and pensions, especially:
- Older adults receiving State Pension
- People on Universal Credit, PIP, or ESA
- Those who are not used to handling things online
- Individuals who depend on their regular payments to cover basic needs
This makes it even more important to share this information with your family and friends so they don’t fall for the scam.
How to Stay Safe Going Forward
You can protect yourself by following a few simple steps:
- Never share personal details or bank info through texts or calls unless you are sure it’s a secure, official source.
- Always check the official government website if you get a message about your benefits.
- Set up two-factor authentication on your online accounts.
- Keep your phone and computer security settings updated.
- Talk to elderly family members and help them understand these scams.
Final Thoughts
Scammers are trying new ways to steal from people, but awareness is your best defence. The DWP has been very clear: they do not send texts asking for personal information or bank details. If you get such a message, take it seriously — report it and delete it.