DWP Cost Of Living 2025: UK residents are being urged to stay alert as fraudulent text messages claiming to offer a £200–£300 Energy Support Scheme are making the rounds.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that these messages are scams and that no such scheme currently exists.
The fake texts, which have been widely reported in online forums and social media, falsely claim recipients are eligible for a government allowance and urge them to apply before a “deadline” — often June 6 or 7.
The messages appear convincing, styled to look like official DWP notices, and direct users to suspicious websites ending in “.ly” — a domain commonly linked to Libya — instead of trusted “.gov.uk” sites.
Some recipients have shared concerns in cost of living support groups after clicking on the link, which then asks for a £1 upfront payment, raising immediate red flags. Authorities warn that these websites are designed to steal personal or financial information.
DWP Confirms: No Active Energy Bills Support Scheme
The Energy Bills Support Scheme officially ended on April 1, 2024, and there is no active application process for any new payments of £200 or £300. Legitimate support, such as the Warm Home Discount and the Winter Fuel Payment, is paid automatically to eligible recipients through their energy suppliers or benefits system — no applications or urgent messages are ever required.
A DWP spokesperson warned:
“Be aware of scam text messages claiming to be from the Department for Work and Pensions. Never click on suspicious links or share personal details unless you’re using a trusted source.”
How to Stay Safe and Report Scams
If you receive one of these messages, do not click any links. Instead, you can:
- Forward the message to 7726 (free for most UK networks) — this helps your provider investigate and block scammers.
- If in doubt, forward the message to 60599, and the DWP will verify whether it’s legitimate.
- Visit the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) website to learn more about reporting scams and staying protected.
With online fraud on the rise, staying informed and cautious is key. Only rely on official government websites such as gov.uk or trusted benefit advisors for the latest cost of living updates and support information.