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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Ruby Flanagan

DWP issues warning after people asking to submit passports to get £301 cost of living cash

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a fraud warning to people who claim Universal Credit and other benefits.

The warning came from a video posted to the department's Twitter account this week and comes at the same time millions are receiving their first £301 cost of living payment.

The DWP's tweet urged claimants to be vigilant and be "fraud aware" at all times.

It said: "Be fraud aware and protect your personal details at all times.

"Your information could be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud".

In a video posted alongside the Tweet, the DWP explained how the department may ask you to submit a personal form of ID if it is working on something in regard to your claim.

The video said: "We will always add a message to your journal to prove it is us."

The department issued a warning earlier this month to those receiving the cost of living payment as scammers were targeting people who were getting them.

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 will not need to supply the DWP with your passport to get it.

If you receive an email, call or text message that looks like it is from the DWP asking you to supply their passport then this will be a scam.

If someone has your passport information, then they could steal your identity and commit a crime pretending to be you.

They could also be able to steal from you as they will have your personal information which could give them access to things such as your bank account.

What to do if you think you've been scammed

If you think you've been called by a scammer, never reveal your personal details.

Hang up immediately and search for the contact details online of the place you're supposedly being called from.

Never call back the number provided by the caller.

If you think a scammer has got hold of your bank details, contact your bank straight away.

You can call the 159 hotline, which will connect you to your bank.

You should also change any passwords that may have been compromised.

Make sure you report scams and fraud to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or through the Action Fraud website.

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