Recently, there has been a significant increase in scammers impersonating the UK’s Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), exploiting the trust we place in government institutions by claiming there is an issue with people’s Winter Fuel Payments. The scammers’ goal is to trick people into divulging personal and financial information. Keep reading to learn more about these scams and how to stay safe.

Understanding the DWP Winter Fuel Payment Scam

The DWP Winter Fuel Payment scam exploits the UK government’s Winter Fuel Payment, which helps older people with their winter heating bills and is typically paid automatically to eligible residents. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how this scam unfolds:

• Initial SMS Contact: Scammers send SMS messages claiming recipients haven’t applied for their Winter Fuel Payment. The messages are designed to trick people into thinking they’re real DWP communications.
• Urgent Action Required: The SMS urges recipients to quickly apply by following a provided link, falsely stating that if they don’t apply, they will lose their eligibility.
• Phishing via Fake Website: The link directs to a fake website where victims are asked to submit personal and financial details to “process” their Winter Fuel Payment.
• Data Theft: Scammers use the collected information for identity theft, unauthorized transactions, or selling it on the dark web, leading to privacy loss, financial damage, and emotional distress for the victim.

DWP Scam Examples

Below are two common examples of DWP Winter Fuel Scams:

Content:

• [D.W.P. Notice]. It has been documented that you still haven’t handed in your subsidy application for 2024 – 2025. To make certain you receive your £300 subsidy, it’s extremely vital that you finish your application by 30 March 2025. If you don’t submit on time, your subsidy eligibility will be ended. Please click the link below and submit your application speedily. <URL>

Content:

• Final notice from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). According to records, DWP has detected that you have not yet submitted your subsidy application for 2024-2025. To ensure that you receive a winter allowance of £300, you must complete the application before April 1, 2025; Failure to submit the application on time will result in the cancellation of your subsidy eligibility. Please click on the link below to submit your application as soon as possible. <URL>

How to Stay Safe From DWP Scams

To stay safe from DWP scams, follow these essential tips:

• Know Your Eligibility: Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible. If you’re not sure, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Never click on links in unexpected texts or emails claiming to be from the DWP.
• Verify Directly with the DWP: If you’re unsure about a message, contact the DWP directly using official phone numbers listed on gov.uk.
• Report Suspicious Communications: Report any suspicious activity to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
• Forward Fraudulent Messages: Send suspicious texts to 7726 and phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
• Take Immediate Action if You’ve Been Scammed: Contact your bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud.
• Use Trend Micro ScamCheck: Protect yourself proactively by using Trend Micro ScamCheck to detect and block scams. Also, if you’re unsure if a message is a scam, you can ask ScamCheck:

ScamCheck: Your All-in-One Defense Against Scams

Available for both Android and iOS, ScamCheck offers comprehensive protection from deceptive phishing scams, scam and spam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

• Scam Check: Instantly analyze emails, texts, URLs, screenshots, and phone numbers with our AI-powered scam detection technology.
• SMS Filter & Call Block: Say goodbye to unwanted spam and scam calls and messages. Minimize daily disruptions and reinforce your defenses against phishing.
• Deepfake Scan: Detect deepfakes in real-time during video calls, alerting you if anyone is using AI face-swapping technology to alter their appearance.
• Web Guard: Surf the web safely, protected from malicious websites and annoying ads.

To download Trend Micro ScamCheck or to learn more, click the button below.

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