If you or someone in your family receives the State Pension or any benefits from the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), there’s an important alert you need to know. The UK government has issued a serious warning about a new scam, and it’s happening through text messages.
Many people have reported receiving fake texts pretending to be from the DWP. These messages may look official, but they are part of a clever scam that tries to steal your bank and personal details.
Here’s everything you need to know, explained simply.
What Is the DWP Text Message Scam?
Scammers are sending out messages that pretend to be from the DWP. These texts often say things like:
- “Your cost-of-living payment is ready. Please confirm your details.”
- “There is a problem with your benefit account. Click the link to fix it.”
- “You are owed a back payment. Enter your bank details now.”
The messages include a link that leads to a fake website that looks like the real gov.uk or DWP page. If you click and enter your details, the scammers can take your money or use your personal information.
Why This Scam Is So Dangerous
These messages appear very real. They may:
- Use DWP or GOV.UK logos
- Mention actual benefit schemes like Universal Credit, State Pension, or Cost of Living payments
- Sound urgent or important to make you act quickly
If you fall for it, scammers can:
- Take money directly from your bank
- Open loans or credit in your name
- Commit identity fraud using your details
What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text
If you get a message that seems suspicious, follow these steps:
1. Do Not Reply
Do not respond, even to say “STOP.” It shows the scammers your number is active.
2. Do Not Click Any Links
Even if the link looks official, avoid opening it.
3. Report the Scam
Forward the text to 7726, a free spam-reporting number in the UK.
You can also report the scam to:
- Action Fraud (UK’s official fraud reporting website)
- National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
4. Double-Check on Official Websites
If you’re unsure, go to the official gov.uk site or call DWP directly using numbers from trusted sources.
How To Spot a Fake DWP Message
Here are some clear signs that the message is a scam:
- It asks for personal or bank information
- The link is shortened (like bit.ly) or not from a .gov.uk website
- There are spelling or grammar mistakes
- It creates urgency or panic
- It’s sent at odd hours
Important: The DWP will never ask for sensitive information like your bank account number through a text or email.
Real DWP Messages vs Scam Messages
To help you compare:
| Message Feature | Real DWP Message | Scam Message |
|---|---|---|
| Asks for personal info via text | No | Yes |
| Comes from gov.uk or verified domain | Yes | No |
| Urges quick action or panic | No | Yes |
| Contains spelling or grammar issues | Rarely | Often |
| Sent during odd hours | No | Yes |
Who Is Being Targeted?
Scammers are sending fake messages to:
- People receiving the State Pension
- Universal Credit claimants
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment) users
- Those receiving Disability Living Allowance
- Anyone getting Cost of Living payments
Basically, anyone receiving financial help from the government could be a target.
Already Clicked the Link? Here’s What To Do
If you think you’ve entered your information into a fake website:
- Call your bank immediately to block or monitor your account
- Change your passwords, especially for your email or online banking
- Report the fraud to Action Fraud or your local police