The Department for Work and Pensions has revealed that it might ask people on benefits like Universal Credit to submit passports to ensure legitimacy - in the latest crackdown on benefit fraud across the UK. The government organisation also warned people to be wary of any random requests for ID and other personal details via text or email, saying that officials will also ask for information via a claimant's online account.
In a social media post, the DWP, said: "DWP may ask you to submit ID such as your passport. We will always add a message to your journal to prove it is us.
"Your information can be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud. If you believe you have been targeted, contact Action Fraud."
