Beware of Scam Text Messages Promising “Living Allowance” Payouts

Low-income households and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit claimants are being urged to stay vigilant following a surge in scams falsely offering cost of living payments. Fraudulent messages promising payments of £900 and £1,739, as well as bogus “hardship allowances” and “winter heating subsidies,” are circulating, preying on vulnerable people looking for financial relief.

A number of people have reached out to UKNIP and have reported receiving these texts, which claim to offer “UK Government Living Allowance” payments, but recipients should not respond or share any personal details.

The DWP confirmed no further cost of living payments are scheduled beyond the final instalment of £299 provided in February 2024. Currently, financial support is only available through the £421 million Household Support Fund, distributed by local councils. None of these payments are delivered via unsolicited texts or phone calls.

One scam message circulating references a “cost of living allowance” of 900 euros, a clue that these messages are not genuine. The National Cyber Security Centre advises people to report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726. Citizens Advice also warned about a fake app called “Universal Credit UK,” which targets claimants needing help with benefits transitions.

The DWP and Citizens Advice are urging the public to avoid responding to any unexpected messages or apps and to report any fraudulent communications immediately.