Fake Benefits & Grant Scams
Bogus 'you qualify for a benefit/grant' messages that harvest data or charge access fees.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
Fake benefits scams claim you qualify for a government payment, rebate or cost-of-living grant, then harvest personal and banking data or charge a fee to 'process' a benefit that doesn't exist.
How it works
A message says you're owed a benefit and links to a fake government-style form requesting personal and bank details, or a small 'processing fee'. The data fuels fraud; the benefit never arrives.
Common red flags
- Unexpected 'you qualify' benefit message with a link
- Requests for bank details or a fee to claim
- Non-official government domain
- Urgency and limited-time framing
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
You are eligible for a [amount] cost-of-living grant. Claim now at [fake link] with your bank details.
Payment methods used
- Bank/ID details harvested
- Processing fees
Who is usually targeted
- People on low incomes
- General public during cost-of-living events
What to do immediately
- Check eligibility only via the official government website
- Never pay a fee to receive a benefit
- Report the message and watch for identity misuse
Evidence to preserve
- The message and link
- Any details provided
- Screenshots
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Do governments text links asking for bank details to claim benefits?
Genuine benefits are claimed through official government services, not random links requesting bank details or fees. Verify any benefit on the official government website.