The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has urged people to take action if they receive a suspicious text to avoid risking money being taken from their accounts, as thousands fall victim to scams daily. The alert comes as fraudsters are now targeting the public with fake ‘DWP Notice’ messages about an application for a ‘support scheme’.

In 2024, around 6.6 million UK adults lost money to online scams, according to Which? Research by the National Trading Standards (NTS) shows that the typical loss experienced by scam victims in the UK is approximately £1,730. The data also reveals 73% of adults in the UK have been approached by government scams, including ones claiming to be from HMRC, and 35% have suffered financial losses as a consequence.

Anyone who is concerned about a text they have been sent can forward the message to 60599 to confirm if it is legitimate. A text message sent to members of the public on June 5 falsely claimed the notice had been sent to people who had not yet applied for the Energy Bills Support scheme.

It suggested they had to apply by June 6, 2025, to avoid missing out. However, the Energy Bills Support scheme closed in 2024.

The text said: “DWP Notice: You have not yet submitted your application for the 2024-2025 fiscal year energy allowance. According to our records, you are eligible for the Energy Support Scheme and may receive a grant of £200 to £300. Please complete your application by 6 June 2025. Late applications will not be accepted, and the application channel will be permanently closed.” The message included a link urging people to “apply now.”

A DWP spokesperson told the Express: “The Energy Bills Support scheme ended on the 1st of April 2024. If you have any doubt whether a text is genuine, forward it to 60599 and you will receive a reply confirming if it’s legitimate.”

GOV.UK says: “Forward suspicious text messages to 60599. Text messages will be charged at your network rate. HMRC will never send notifications of a tax rebate or ask you to disclose personal or payment information by text message.

“We may share your email address and phone number with other organisations to close down the scam.” You can also report suspicious emails and social media accounts to HMRC.

HMRC says to forward suspicious emails to its phishing team at phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. HMRC will only ever email you about a tax rebate or ask for personal or payment information from an email address ending in hmrc.gov.uk. Report suspicious HMRC-related social media accounts at security.custcon@hmrc.gov.uk.

Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to trap victims. Martin Lewis’s Money Saving Expert blog features a list of scammers’ tells to look out for.

Along with anyone rushing you, poor grammar or dodgy spelling, anyone asking you to pay in an unusual way, or someone you’ve never met asking for money are all common warning signs. However, a message could still be illegitimate if it doesn’t contain any mistakes. Also, be wary of URL links that don’t look right.

If you think you have found a scam or want to report one, you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer service. The website also shares advice for people who have been scammed, who need to protect themselves from further risk, check if they can get their money back, and report the scam.