The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a new scam warning to millions who are due to receive a Cost of Living payment over the coming months.
In November last year, the Government revealed that a second round of cost-of-living payments was going to be given to more than eight million households
This spring, the first part of the £900 means-tested cost of living payment worth £301 will start to be paid out.
The DWP recently took to social media to spread its warning of scammers who will take advantage of the cost of living crisis by targeting those who do not know how the payments are made.
In posts shared on both Twitter and Facebook, the DWP reminded people that if they are eligible for a payment, they do not need to apply for it as the money will arrive in their bank account automatically.
You should receive your payment in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits.
The Government says this includes if you’re found to be eligible for a Cost of Living Payment or a Disability Cost of Living Payment at a later date.
The department also warned that they will never ask for personal details in a text message or an email.
In its post, the DWP said: "DWP tweeted: “Watch out for scammers targeting people about #CostOfLiving Payments
“If 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 email.”
The new warning reiterated the guidance on the official Cost of Living Payments page on GOV.UK.
This guidance added: “If you have had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.”
If you receive a text message like this, the DWP advises you forward it to 7726 in order to report the scam.
It is completely free to do and simply reports the message to your mobile phone provider.
If you receive a suspicious email, then you should forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will investigate it.
The new round of Cost of Living payments, which includes payments for those who are disabled and are older, will provide financial help to certain households during the current period of high inflation the UK is seeing.
The Government has yet to release the exact details on the eligibility criteria for the payments, although it is likely to be the same criteria as last year's payments, as well as codes you should look out for in your bank statement.
These are expected to be announced closer to the time.
