In 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a critical fraud warning UK regarding a wave of scam messages falsely promising a £450 cost of living payment. These scams, often appearing as fake DWP texts or emails, are designed to trick vulnerable people into clicking malicious links or giving away personal information. The cost of living scam alert was issued after thousands of Britons reported receiving suspicious messages pretending to be official government notifications.
If you’ve received such a message, this article will help you spot the warning signs, avoid being tricked, and protect your benefits from UK benefit fraud attempts.
How the Scam Works
Scammers are targeting people receiving Universal Credit, PIP, Pension Credit, and other welfare benefits. They send fake DWP texts claiming the recipient is owed a £450 cost of living payment. These messages contain links to phishing websites that mimic official government platforms and request:
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National Insurance numbers
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Banking details
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Personal address information
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Login credentials for GOV.UK accounts
These scams are not only illegal—they are dangerous. Clicking the wrong link could compromise your identity or result in financial theft. That’s why this cost of living scam alert has been widely circulated to prevent UK benefit fraud.
Official DWP Messages: What to Expect
To avoid falling for these fake messages, it’s important to know how genuine DWP messages work. Here’s what you should remember:
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DWP will never ask you to click on a link to claim payments
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Official notifications will appear in your Universal Credit journal or letter form
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Any £450 cost of living payment will be automatically deposited if you’re eligible
The fraud warning UK urges people to never trust texts that ask for sensitive information or direct you to suspicious websites.
What to Do If You Receive a Fake Message
If you think you’ve received a fake DWP text, follow these steps immediately:
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Do not click any links in the message.
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Report the scam to report@phishing.gov.uk or via the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
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Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (a free spam-reporting service).
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Change your GOV.UK password if you entered your credentials by mistake.
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Monitor your benefits account for suspicious activity.
By taking quick action, you can prevent further exposure and help authorities combat UK benefit fraud effectively.
Why the £450 Scam Is So Convincing
This scam is particularly dangerous because it mimics real government language and exploits a real-life situation—the DWP issuing cost of living payments. The inclusion of a believable amount (£450), combined with timely delivery during benefit distribution periods, makes the scam appear legitimate.
However, it’s important to remember that the DWP will never ask claimants to claim their payment through a link. Any such cost of living scam alert should be taken seriously and reported right away.
FAQs
How do I know if a DWP message is real or fake?
Real DWP messages will never ask you to click a link or provide personal details. Fake DWP texts often use urgent language and phishing links.
Is the £450 cost of living payment real?
Yes, the payment itself is legitimate, but scammers are using it to trick people. This is why a cost of living scam alert was issued by the government.
What should I do if I clicked a scam link?
Immediately change your GOV.UK password, contact your bank, and report the scam to the NCSC. It may be part of a larger UK benefit fraud attempt.
Why are fake DWP texts dangerous?
They steal personal data, which can lead to identity theft, benefit fraud, or loss of money. This is a key concern behind the fraud warning UK.
Where do I report cost of living payment scams?
You can forward them to 7726 or email report@phishing.gov.uk to help authorities handle the cost of living scam alert.