DWP issues warning over text messages for £750 cost of living payment: 'This might be a scam'

Millions of struggling Brits qualify for the cost of living payments that started last year and continued into 2023.

The first instalment of the latest sum - £301 out of £900 - was paid out earlier in the spring while the second instalment - £300 - is expected in the autumn.

Despite this information having been communicated by Gov.uk and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), the scammers are still trying to use people’s financial misery to their own benefit.

Brits have been warned over text messages offering them to accept a £750 cost-of-living payment by clicking on the link and leaving personal details.

They are advised to delete any such correspondence as ‘this might be a scam’.

Here is how the suspicious texts look like and what to do to protect yourself from getting affected.

Meanwhile, Lloyds Bankissued a warning over the risk of losing £570 on Facebook Marketplace and Instagram.

Also, a new travel scam that steals holidaymakers' money is on the rise.

A new scam promises Brits £750 in cost-of-living payment

Scammers never seem to run out of ideas for how to use people’s misery to their own benefit.

Although millions of cash-strapped Brits do all they can to keep their heads above the water financially, they are now being targeted by online thieves who promise a hefty cost-of-living payment.

DWP has issued a warning over the latest scam that comes as a text message sent to mobile phones.

It promises the receivers a £750 ‘Living Payment’ and urges them to accept the payment by ‘taking action’ and clicking on the link in the message.

The full scam text reads:

GOV: The £750.00 (GBP) Living Payment is ready, take action by accepting the payment via {the website indicated by the crooks}.

If you follow the link you may put yourself at risk of getting your personal information compromised.

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Here is what to do to stay safe

According to DWP, the cost-of-living payments are sent out automatically to those eligible, and you do not need to do anything to ‘accept’ them.

The agency’s spokesperson said:

If you have had a message asking you to apply, accept or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.

DWP also reminded that they would never ask for personal information by SMS or by email, urging those who were targeted by the scam to forward it - for free - to 7726 so it gets reported to the mobile network provider.

If you think that the digital thieves have got hold of your bank details, call the 159 hotline which will connect you to your bank.

Change leaked and compromised passwords immediately.

You can also report scams to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or through the Action Fraud website in England, or contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or on their website.

Scam emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk, and scam texts - to 7726 for free.

Hang up if you think a scammer is calling you. Go online to find the contact details of the place that is supposedly calling you.

Read more:

⋙ Ofcom issues warning to holidaymakers travelling outside the UK over phone bills

⋙ Urgent recall issued on mayonnaise over risk of listeria infection: 'Do not consume'

Sources used:

- Mirror: 'DWP issues warning over new £750 cost of living scam - what to watch out for'