For most of us the word “scam” has become part of our everyday lives as we increasingly use online processes to undertake so much of our day-to-day activities when applying for benefits and financial dealings.

Although only a small percentage of people are affected, scammers can use misleading tactics to take advantage of those seeking financial support. Knowing what to look out for and how to protect yourself can help keep you safe from both financial and emotional upset.

Benefits scams to watch out for:

• Fake Universal Credit offers

Scammers sometimes impersonate the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), claiming you’re eligible for new or higher Universal Credit payments. They may ask for a “processing fee” or request personal details like your National Insurance number and bank details. Official government departments won’t ask for payments or personal details by phone or email.

Warning Signs: Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages promising Universal Credit or government assistance. Never provide payment or sensitive information in response to unexpected messages.

• Fake Benefit Claims Assistance

Scammers can claim they can help you apply for benefits such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reductions, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance (AA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – but only for a fee. They may promise to speed up the process, even though these services are free through official channels.

Warning Signs: Any offer to “speed up” your claim in exchange for money should raise concerns. Always apply through the official government website or get assistance from a trusted organisation such as registered charities, DWP or Citizens Advice.

• Current topic Scams 

Scammers will play on “current topics” that are prevalent in the media or government policy announcements.  Energy Support Payments, Pension Credit Awareness, Disability Benefit Changes are examples where scammers will appear to be facilitating the work of a government department.

Warning Signs: Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or messages appearing to be helping with access to benefits relating to current issues. The nature of such contact can be very persuasive and appear legitimate at a time when such offers are being offered to the wider community and getting media coverage.

How to protect yourself from welfare benefits scams

• Take care when searching online

We all search online for any information we need not least when circumstances such as an unexpected health condition results in a situation we know nothing about.

Even a basic search can take us to endless numbers of sites or “clickbait” offering easy solutions and help to overcome our problems. They can be sophisticated and appear legitimate often impersonating government bodies with names such as “Welfare Benefits Processing Department”, “ British Benefits Helpline” or “National Health Claims Unit.”

Such sites may prompt the user to fill in details such as completing a Free Benefits Calculator for instant results on what can be claimed. By completing the user will often disclose information such as name, postcode, household income, NI Number and contact details which can then be used for scammers to follow up with targeted unsolicited contact. 

Unsolicited contact in scams refers to unexpected communication - calls, emails, texts, even door knocks - from scammers pretending to be trusted organizations or individuals.

• Verify the Source

If you receive a message or call about benefits, always check the legitimacy of the claim by contacting the relevant government department directly. Use the official contact details listed on GOV.UK or contact details from and independent source.

Do not use any contact details the unsolicited contact has sent you until you are sure it’s 100% legitimate.

• Apply Directly

Always apply for government benefits through the official GOV.UK website or your local council. These applications are free, and any service requesting a fee should be treated with caution.

• Protect Your Personal Information

Never share your National Insurance number, bank details, or other personal information unless you are sure of the legitimacy of the contact. Always double-check that the request is genuine before responding.

• Report Scams

If you suspect a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre) or contact Citizens Advice on 03444 111 444. Reporting scams helps protect others and ensures action is taken.

 

Aspire's Money Matters Service supports those affected through spinal cord injury with everyday money issues from budgeting to debt problems. The service operates on Monday and Tuesdays with slots available from 9am to 3.30pm.

If you have any queries relating to today’s topic and feel you would benefit from an informal chat, call Phil on 020 8420 6712 or find out more at the link below. 

Money Matters

How we help