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Those eligible for the payments will not need to apply or make a claim for them

New scam

People have been warned of a new scam circulating ahead of the second £300 Department for Work and Pensions cost of living payment this autumn. This scam targets those who are set to receive the payment in the coming weeks from the DWP.

October or November

No official payment date has been confirmed by the UK government, however it is believed the money will begin to be distributed in October or November. Since the cost of living payment scheme was announced last year, scammers have tried to take advantage of it.

This new scam is just one of many which have circulated over the last 18 months. In this con, the criminals are sending mass messages out to Brits posing to be from the government.

These messages tell people that their cost of living payment is ready to be claimed and that they need to apply to get it. The message then tells the reader to click on a link to be able to make their application.

The text message reads: “Your cost of living payment is ready – review and apply”. Once the link is clicked on, the person being targeted it shown what looks like the GOV.UK site telling them to register to receive the £300 payment. It then asks for a full name, contact number and address along with an email address and also debit or credit card details to receive the payment.

Fake website created by scammers

The website is actually a fake created by scammers to steal money and personal details. If you provide your details you could be at risk of criminals accessing your bank account to steal money or using your details to commit further scams.

No need to apply

The DWP has reiterated many times over the last year that those eligible for the cost of living payments will not need to apply or make a claim for them. They will instead be given automatically to anyone who is eligible. If you are eligible to claim, the £300 payment will be paid into the same account where your benefits are paid into. There is no need to apply, claim or register for this payment.

On scams regarding the cost of living payments, a DWP spokesperson has said: “All cost of living payments are sent out automatically and directly to those eligible, and customers do not need to apply or contact the government at any stage. If you have had a message asking you to apply, accept or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.”

Official DWP guidance on all the cost of living payments also added: “This includes if you’re found to be eligible at a later date.”

What to do if you think you’ve been scammed

If you think a scammer has got hold of your bank details, contact your bank straight away. You can call the 159 hotline, which will connect you to your bank. Passwords that have been leaked or compromised should be changed immediately.

Make sure you report scams and fraud to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or through the Action Fraud website.

The government says suspicious emails can be forwarded to [email protected] so they can be investigated by its National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Possible scam texts can also be forwarded for free to 7726 – this will report the message to your mobile phone.