WARNING UK GOVERNMENT SCAM

Thanks for the heads-up Outcast. As if losing the WFP wasn't bad enough, some scrote decides to try and scam people! Disgraceful

Nothing to do with the government. Phishing for your bank details.

This scam was highlighted on BBC1 news Saturday morning by their Moneybox editor.

I imagine it will be available on iplayer or Moneybox on sounds.

DS gave me the heads up about this last week. I had just had a letter from the DWP about the winter fuel payment so would know that a text wouldn’t be genuine but it’s always useful to be aware.

These scammers are horrid they even imitate government web sites and charge fees for all kinds. They do it to driving tests national insurance and many more. What is bad is the websites look so good they can fool you. Always go through the government website it shows a crown.https://www.gov.uk/
If in doubt do nothing. Departments will usually write out to you.

I was just about to reply to the post about DWP letters! I got the text yesterday,
‘ Cost of Living Payments’
The living subsidy for this year ( 2023 to 2024) is currently being distributed’

Then said I was eligible to apply, of course, ‘ through the link’

‘ Important subsidy, help reduce financial pressure, tax free, etc etc’
07533 730417 was the number.

This scam is now on Facebook. I just didn't believe it, so did a scam search. This is the Facebook scam page - impitbeshi.media/z8FcmGhn? IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TRUE TO BE TRUE, IT ISN'T.

This is Martin Lewis's warning about it - www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/oct/18/martin-lewis-online-scam-wild-west-fake-rachel-reeves-ad

I was about to start a warning thread about it, but you beat me to it.

Should the title of the thread be changed so that it makes it clear that it is NOT a scam BY the UK Government? Something like "Fake money-making trap by scammers". So much mud is being thrown at the Govt at the moment that it would be very easy for some ardent mudslinger to use the current title as "evidence".

Elegran

Should the title of the thread be changed so that it makes it clear that it is NOT a scam BY the UK Government? Something like "Fake money-making trap by scammers". So much mud is being thrown at the Govt at the moment that it would be very easy for some ardent mudslinger to use the current title as "evidence".

Yes. Title should IMO changed to e.g. ‘Winter fuel payment scam’.

There was a useful idea on tv yesterday….’if there’s a link….THINK’! Thought it was a useful phrase to remember.

My phone tends to highlight it if it's a possible Scam, so you can check out. Had one highlighted today, but it was a legit one.

I should like to know how such people get our phone numbers. There surely isn't a directory as with land lines.

well we're always warned not to click on links, you can google your entitlements yourself or get a family member to do it.

mum2three

I should like to know how such people get our phone numbers. There surely isn't a directory as with land lines.

They don't need them, mumofthree, It is so cheap and easy to phone using the intenet, that they can just record one message and use software to send it to a list of hundreds or thousands of numbers - any numbers at all. If the phone isn't answered the call drops out and goes on the next number.

Or they can send emails or texts to a list that they can buy from unscrupulous internet traders, who sell their customer/marketing list, or from harvesters which collect any use of an email address on the net to unprotected seller sites. This is why you should only buy online from businesses which show a little shield and/or a padlock beside their email address at the top of your browser and have protected payments.

If there is no reply to their messages, they don't care, the next one may be profitable!