DWP issues urgent warning to anyone making a benefits claim including Universal Credit and PIP

The DWP has issued a warning to those looking to make a claim for any benefit including the State Pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Winter Fuel Payment, Attendance Allowance and more

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent warning to individuals making any form of benefit claim. The government department is worried that claimants are being tricked into filling out application forms and providing personal financial information through scam emails and websites.

The DWP, the UK's largest public service department, administers and delivers the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and health benefits to over 20 million claimants and customers across Great Britain. It has now taken to social media to remind new and existing claimants that it "does not publish any applications for download to your mobile devices or PCs".

This move aims to prevent people from being duped into revealing their personal and financial information to online scammers. The reminder is particularly useful for those making a new claim for Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Winter Fuel Payment, Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit and more.

These benefits can all be claimed online and any forms that can be downloaded should only be done so from the dedicated page on GOV. UK. The post on X, formerly Twitter, also stated: "To be certain that you are using legitimate DWP services, only visit and use the relevant pages on the Government's website in your browser."

If you suspect you've received a scam communication pretending to be from UK Government departments such as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or DWP, you can report it on the GOV. UK website here. The fight against scams has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of a new scam detection tool in the UK. This innovative tool allows users to upload screenshots of any suspicious text, email, or website to check its legitimacy.

The AI-powered feature, Ask Silver, seamlessly integrates with WhatsApp, operating like any standard contact once a user signs up. It promptly assesses whether the message is deceptive. Following the analysis, users are advised on the safety of the content and guided through the appropriate actions to take, including scam reporting facilities.

Online security champion, Get Safe Online, is collaborating with the tool's developers to bring this novel feature to the general population and elevate scam awareness. This development coincides with the implementation of new regulatory measures requiring banks, payment service companies, and their counterparts to reimburse consumers who fall victim to scams, with refunds available up to £85,000.

Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online, emphasized the ongoing necessity for scam vigilance, stating: "Despite new requirements for banks, it is imperative that all of us remain vigilant when it comes to scams. This fantastic new tool is revolutionary and we are recommending that people download and save Ask Silver to their WhatsApp contact list now and try it out. It’s so simple to use and if it saves you from a scam, what’s not to like?"

Ask Silver founder, Alex Somervell, said: "In this digital age where scams are increasingly sophisticated and scammers are highly experienced, we must empower individuals with tools that enhance their vigilance and allow them to live, shop and buy without fear. Ask Silver provides that very support and now, by partnering with Get Safe Online, we are further strengthening our commitment to online safety and look forward to collaborating with the team a lot more in the future."