Scammers are trying to fleece those on state pension, PIP and UC (Picture: Getty)
People have been told to stay alert after a new scam targeting those receiving state pension, PIP and Universal Credit.
Not a day goes by without fraudsters cooking up new ways to extract money from people. Last festive period alone, more than £11,500,000 was lost to online scammers, including over the Black Friday sales.
Now the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to those receiving state pension, PIP and Universal Credit.
This time, scammers are using text messages pretending to be from DWP.
How does the DWP state pension scam work?
You should be extra cautious if you receive a text message saying it is from DWP.
DWP said: ‘Always be careful about links and never share personal or financial details.
‘Only engage with trusted official sources.’
If you spot suspicious messages, you can report them to Action Fraud.
How many people get scammed in the UK?
Experts have warned that fraudsters will ‘go to great lengths to trick anyone out of their money.’
More than 40 million people have been targeted, the Office for National Statistics estimates.
Of them, 19,000,000 lost money worth around £1,730 on average.
People are bombarded by 240 scam emails or texts each year and online scams have increased sharply since 2022, research by YouGov reveals.
Along with targeting those receiving benefits, fraudsters have got their eyes set on pensioners.
Action Fraud said £17,750,635 worth was lost to pension fraud last year and it received 559 reports.
Action Fraud said victims of fraud should not be ’embarrassed’ about reporting a scam.
It said: ‘Think you’re immune from fraud? Fraudsters are experts in impersonating others to get our defences down. If you have been a victim, don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam, you could prevent it from happening to others.’
Claire Webb, Acting Director of Action Fraud, said previously: ‘Criminals will go to great lengths to trick anyone out of their money, in this case, it’s someone’s life savings at risk. Losing any sum of money saved for retirement can be devastating.
‘Prevent a fraudster from taking away the hard-earned cash you’ve put towards your retirement by protecting your pension and investments, and doing the research on who you’re dealing with before making any big changes.
‘Avoid pension opportunities offered out of the blue, like pension reviews or too good to be true investment opportunities. Don’t let anyone rush you into making big decisions and seek advice from an independent professional service or trusted family and friends.’
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