The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a stark warning about a scam that could potentially empty bank accounts. In an alert on X, previously Twitter, the official DWP account cautioned the public to “beware” of fraudulent schemes, particularly those pretending to be from the department.
Discussing the deceitful scam, which appears to target individuals seeking assistance with their bills, the DWP clarified that the scheme is bogus. Authentic support for energy bills is accessible through the legitimate GOV.UK website. The DWP‘s message on X was clear: “Beware: If you get a text about an ‘Energy Support Scheme’ it is a scam Find out how to report and recover from any suspicious texts, phone calls, or emails via Stop! Think Fraud.”
Directing people to their dedicated Stop! Think Fraud website, which provides guidance on avoiding scams, the experts emphasise: “Nobody is immune from fraud. The criminals behind it target people online and in their homes, often emotionally manipulating their victims before they steal money or personal data.
“But there is something we can do. By staying vigilant and always taking a moment to stop, think and check whenever we’re approached, we can help to protect ourselves and each other from fraud. “
How to identify a counterfeit text message
The aim of a fraudulent message, whether it’s sent via SMS, WhatsApp, or another messaging platform, is usually to dupe you into clicking on a link, reports the Mirror. This link typically directs you to a fake website that’s been set up to steal your personal details, swipe your cash or infect your device with malware.
Scammers craft fake texts to be brief and straightforward, yet they employ cunning tactics to make them appear legitimate. They might even “spoof” the sender’s number so it looks like the message is from a trusted entity, such as your bank, and appears in the same conversation thread.
However, there are a number of signs that the message might be fake, so here’s how to spot a suspicious message. The experts urge people to be wary if you see:
- an ‘irresistible’ product offer or prize from a number or company you don’t know
- an urgent alert about security, for example claiming your bank account details have been compromised
- a message about a product or service you haven’t purchased or requested
- a delivery company demanding you pay a fee before they deliver a parcel
- an appeal from a family member asking you to send money
- encouragement to click on an unknown link – if you’re not sure, visit the organisation’s website directly rather than clicking through
- a request for you to share personal data
- language designed to create a sense of urgency or panic
- messages sent outside normal business hours, especially if they’re very late at night or very early in the morning
What do I do if I get a scam text?
- break the contact – don’t reply, click on any links, or make any payments
- check if it’s genuine: contact the person or company directly, using a phone number you already have and know is correct
- forward the message for free to 7726
What to I do if I’ve replied to the scam text?
The experts stress: “Don’t panic! What you do next depends on whether you’ve replied, clicked a link, sent information or made a payment.” You can look at their advice on what to do if you’ve been a victim of fraud.
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