How do I spot a fake government grant or benefit payment email?
Fake government grant emails promise free money you must claim by entering your bank details — governments do not distribute grants or benefits through unsolicited emails requiring a link to claim.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Government grant fraud mimics the language of real subsidy schemes — energy rebates, cost-of-living payments, business grants, stimulus cheques — and sends emails or texts claiming you are eligible for a payment. The message asks you to click a link, verify your identity, and enter your bank account details so the payment can be transferred to you.
Real government payments do not work this way. In the UK, cost-of-living payments and energy rebates are applied to your qualifying benefits or energy account automatically by HMRC or the Department for Work and Pensions. The IRS in the US similarly deposits stimulus and child tax credit payments to the bank account on file with your tax return. No link-clicking is required.
Government agencies occasionally do send letters or log into their portals asking you to update bank details if you move, but this is always done through a portal you navigate to yourself (gov.uk personal tax account, ssa.gov, benefits.gov) — never by clicking a link in an unsolicited email.
Search any grant scheme name through official government websites (gov.uk, usa.gov, benefits.gov) to verify it exists before taking any action. If you cannot find the scheme by official name in an official source, treat the email as fraudulent.
Common red flags
- Email claims you are entitled to a grant or payment you have not applied for
- Must click a link and provide bank details to receive the payment
- Sender email is not from a .gov.uk or .gov domain
- Grant name cannot be verified on official government websites
- Limited time to claim — 'payment expires in 72 hours'
- Website asks for your full National Insurance or Social Security number
What to do now
- Do not click any link or enter bank details
- Search the scheme name on gov.uk (UK) or usa.gov (US) to verify it exists
- Forward suspicious emails to [email protected] (UK) or the FTC (US)
- Report to Action Fraud (UK) or ReportFraud.ftc.gov (US)
- If you submitted your details, contact your bank and the relevant government department
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I am eligible for a real government payment?
Check eligibility on the government's official website (gov.uk/benefits or benefits.gov). Do not rely on emails or social media posts to learn about eligibility.
Are there real government grants for individuals?
Yes — energy efficiency grants, start-up loans, and hardship funds exist. They are applied for through official portals, not claimed via email links.
What if the email says it is from my local council?
Local authorities occasionally contact residents, but they will always direct you to log in to your council portal with your existing account — not to a new external link requiring your bank details.