Hi everyone,
There's an increase in fake text messages and emails circulating, inviting people to apply for things like discretionary grants, payments, or "energy support schemes."
How to spot a scam
It's really important that you know how to spot a fake message::
- Referencing non-existent schemes: The messages often refer to an "energy support scheme" or "winter fuel allowance," which are not real programmes.
- Suspicious sender details: Messages are often sent in groups via SMS or WhatsApp from 0700 mobile numbers. If you get added to a group, you’ll have the option to leave the group on WhatsApp or SMS.
- Fake websites: The links in these messages lead to non-gov.uk websites and might ask you to enter bank details, or pay a small fee to prove your identity.
The Department for work and Pensions (DWP) will never send messages with these features, or from an 0700 mobile number. Official texts are sent individually from an 0300 or 0800 number. Any included links will go to gov.uk site or Universal Credit websites, and they’ll never ask for bank details directly through a text link.
You can report these scam messages on the official Government website: https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living.
If in doubt - contact our Support Team to check if a phone number or text is real. You can also find the DWP and Universal Credit contact details here.
Thanks,
The OVO Forum Team
