Is a text saying I have a pending benefits payment real?
Texts claiming a benefits payment is waiting and asking you to click a link or confirm details are phishing scams imitating government benefit agencies.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Scammers send SMS messages mimicking agencies like the DWP (UK), Social Security Administration (US), or Centrelink (Australia). The message says a payment is pending but your details need updating or a small fee is owed. The link leads to a fake government portal that harvests your personal details or payment information. Genuine benefit agencies communicate changes in writing by post, through their official online portals, or during pre-arranged phone appointments. They do not send links asking you to confirm personal data by SMS, and benefit payments never require an upfront fee.
Common red flags
- Unexpected text about a benefits payment needing action
- Link leads to a website that is not the official government domain
- Request to confirm bank details, NI or SSN, or date of birth
- Fee required to release the payment
What to do now
- Do not click the link or provide any information
- Log in to your benefits account through the official government website
- Report the message to the relevant agency's fraud line
- Forward SMS scams to 7726 (UK) or the FTC (US)
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a benefits message is genuine?
Log in directly to your account on the official government website. Never use a link from a text message — search the agency name and navigate there yourself.