Benefits & Welfare Scams

Scammers pose as benefit agencies or 'application assistants' and charge upfront fees to file or fast-track a welfare claim that is actually free.

Criminals use stolen personal information to file fraudulent unemployment claims in a victim's name, diverting payments to themselves.

Scammers target people with disabilities using fake 'grant approval' messages and upfront fee demands tied to disability benefit programs.

Fraudulent texts and calls impersonate food assistance programs to trick recipients into revealing their EBT card number and PIN, which are then used to drain benefits.

Phishing messages impersonate the child benefit agency, claiming payments are paused unless parents 'update' their bank or personal details through a fake link.

Fraudulent messages claim recipients qualify for a government energy rebate and request bank details or an upfront fee to release the payment.

Scammers impersonate government cost-of-living support schemes, sending fake eligibility messages that harvest bank details or charge a fee to 'release' a payment.

Scammers tell pensioners their pension credit or state pension has been suspended and must be 'reactivated' by confirming bank and identity details.

Scammers pose as benefit specialists or advocates charging illegal upfront fees to help veterans apply for or increase disability and pension benefits.

Scammers pose as benefits caseworkers offering to speed up a universal credit advance payment in exchange for a fee or bank access, exploiting claimants waiting for their first payment.

Scammers claim a benefit recipient was overpaid and threatens legal action or arrest unless the 'debt' is repaid immediately through an unusual payment method.

Scammers notify targets that they have been approved for a government grant they never applied for, then request a fee or bank details to release the funds.

Fraudulent messages claim a housing benefit or rental assistance claim needs urgent 'verification', harvesting bank and landlord details from tenants and landlords alike.

Scammers offer to help carers apply for or unlock a carer's allowance in exchange for a fee, exploiting unfamiliarity with a free, complex benefit system.

Scammers impersonate government agencies to tell pensioners their winter fuel payment is at risk unless they confirm bank details or pay a fee.

Fraudulent messages claim recipients qualify for a government stimulus or relief payment, harvesting bank details or charging a fee to release funds that do not exist.

Text messages claim a recipient's benefits have been suspended and must be 'reactivated' via a link, harvesting login credentials and personal data.

Fraudulent messages claim a council tax refund or rebate is owed, directing recipients to a fake portal that harvests bank details.