According to the DWP, scammers are targeting people in order to gather their personal and security details such as bank account info
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a new warning for millions of people expecting to receive cost of living payments over the coming months.
According to the DWP, scammers are targeting people in order to gather their personal and security details such as bank account info. It has also reminded people that anyone who is eligible for any upcoming cost of living payments will receive it automatically, meaning there is no need to apply.
Nearly eight million people have already received the first half of the £650 cost of living payment with one million more people on Tax Credits waiting for the payment next month. Furthermore, around six million people claiming disability benefits will receive one-off payments for £150 from September 20.
Speaking on Twitter, the DWP said: Watch out for scammers targeting people about #CostOfLiving Payments.
Official guidance from the government’s Cost of Living page states: You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you’re getting certain benefits or Tax Credits. You do not need to apply. You’ll be paid automatically.
If you have had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam. These scams, commonly referred to as phishing scams, are used by criminals to trick victims into giving away their personal detail such as bank account information or online account details.
Typically delivered via text message or email, these scams often include a link that will take you onto a website which may either be loaded with viruses or ask you to enter personal information.