People set to receive cost of living payments have been warned of a new scam by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
The payments are set to help millions of households across the UK this year as part of the government's support package to ease the current financial pressures. Three payments totalling £900 will be paid directly into bank accounts, starting from spring 2023.
Those eligible, thought to be around eight million people, include those claiming benefits such as Universal Credit, tax credits and Pension Credit. The funds from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) come as a separate amount will be awarded to more than six million people with disabilities and more than eight million pensioners - who will receive £150 and £300 sums respectively - in addition to their winter fuel payments.
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But this week the DWP has warned those expecting to receive a payment over the coming months to watch out for scammers trying to take advantage of the cost of living crisis. DWP is reminding people that if you are eligible for a payment, you do not need to apply for it as the money will arrive in your bank account automatically.
In the Twitter post it also warned that they will never ask for personal details in a text message or an email.
DWP posted: “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 social media warning reiterates the guidance on the official Cost of Living Payments page on GOV.UK. The guidance 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.”
If you do receive a text message asking you to apply for any of the cost of living payments, DWP advises that you forward it to 7726 - which is completely free to do and simply reports the message to your mobile phone provider.
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