A social media post says I've 'won' a cost-of-living support payment and just need to click to claim it - what's the catch?
There's no catch to find because there's no prize - genuine cost-of-living or energy support payments are not distributed through social media 'claim now' posts or competitions.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Explanation
These posts, often shared widely and designed to look like they're spreading organically, claim you've been selected or have 'won' a cost-of-living, energy, or fuel support payment, and direct you to click a link to claim it. The link usually leads to a data-harvesting form asking for personal and banking details, or to a page pushing an unrelated product, subscription trap, or further phishing attempt.
Genuine cost-of-living and energy support payments, where they exist, are usually paid automatically to eligible recipients based on existing benefit or tax records, or require an application directly through the official government website - they are never distributed as a 'win' via a social media post that anyone can click to claim regardless of eligibility. The framing as something you've 'won,' rather than something you may be automatically eligible for, is itself a strong sign of a scam, since genuine support isn't a prize or lottery.
If you see a post like this, check the official government website directly for information about any real cost-of-living support scheme rather than clicking the link, and consider reporting or ignoring the post rather than sharing it further.
Common red flags
- Frames a government support payment as something you've 'won'
- Shared widely on social media rather than announced through official government channels
- Link leads to a form asking for banking or personal details unrelated to any real application process
- No verifiable connection to an actual named, official government program
- Encourages you to share or tag others to 'spread the good news'
- Uses countdown timers or claims of limited availability
What to do now
- Do not click the link or enter any personal or banking information
- Check the official government website directly for real cost-of-living support programs
- Do not share the post further, even if you're unsure
- Report the post to the social media platform as a scam
- Warn friends or family who may have seen or shared it
- If you clicked and entered details, monitor your accounts and consider a credit freeze
Frequently asked questions
Do real government support payments ever work like a 'win'?
No - genuine payments are either automatic based on existing records or require a direct application through official government channels, never a social media claim process.
Is it safe to just look at the post without clicking?
Viewing the post itself is generally safe; the risk comes from clicking the link and entering personal information on the destination page.