DWP issues warning to people with an online Universal Credit account

The warning came in its latest Universal Credit guidance

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to claimants over scam phone calls - and shared how they can make sure it's genuine.

The DWP issued the new guidance to help Universal Credit claimants distinguish between calls from DWP advisors and scammers attempting to trick them into divulging personal or financial information. The DWP noted that due to its phone systems, calls from them can be displayed as an "0800" or an unknown number.

Because of this claimants could potentially be missing calls from the DWP as they may be cautious about answering calls from numbers they do not recognise. The DWP has urged claimants to not ignore unknown numbers if they have received a message beforehand on their Universal Credit journal. Before calling, the DWP will message letting them know they will be calling.

However, to help people confirm that it is indeed the DWP calling and not a potential fraudster, the DWP has stated it will "ensure that you know the call is genuine". On the "Universal Credit and You" page on GOV. UK, the DWP warned: "There are scams preying on people, so do not share information if you're not sure the call is from DWP.

The new guidance read: "Our phone systems mean calls from us may display as 0800 numbers, or an unknown number. If you get a call from an unknown number following our message in your online account please pick up, as it’s likely to be DWP. We will ensure that you know the call is genuine. There are scams preying on people, so do not share information if you’re not sure the call is from DWP. If you are in any doubt, you could ask the caller to post a specific form of words into your journal so you can be sure it’s us."

The DWP recently shared a post with X warning claimants of scammers and directed people to the Stop! Think Fraud page on GOV.UK if they think they have been the target of fraudsters. The post read: "Be scam aware and protect your personal details at all times. Be on guard for unsolicited calls or texts. Do not share personal information, such as passwords. Get advice on what to do if you think you have been targetted."