DWP issues urgent warning as millions of UK residents could have money taken from their accounts

The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a serious warning about a new wave of fraudulent text messages targeting members of the public with false claims about government energy bill support.

The scam messages, which are circulating via iMessage, WhatsApp, and other platforms, urge recipients to claim an alleged “Energy Allowance” of £200 to £300 by a specific deadline.

The texts falsely claim this support is being provided under a “Welfare Policy for the 2024–2025 financial year.”

The message claims “the system shows that you are eligible” and directs people to a suspicious-looking web link, asking them to complete an application by July 18, 2025.

The message reads in full:

“DWP Energy Allowance Policy Notice:
The DWP will be awarding eligible residents an energy allowance of between £200 and £300 to help with household electricity, gas and heating bills in line with the Welfare Policy for the 2024–2025 financial year.
The system shows that you are eligible. Please visit the link below to complete your application by 18 July 2025. Late applications cannot be processed.
Link to apply: https://gov.cygsitbntfm.live/uk
If you need assistance, please reply “yes” and a member of staff will be able to support you.”

The link provided in the message leads to a suspicious website, designed to trick people into entering personal or financial information.

The DWP has confirmed that this message is a scam, warning the public not to click the link or share any personal information.

A DWP spokesperson told a UK media outlet: “The Energy Bills Support Scheme ended on the 1st of April 2024.”

They added that no current government programme offers energy bill payments under the title mentioned in the scam message.

Anyone who have received a suspicious text claiming to be from the DWP or another government body is urged to follow the below guidelines:

1. Do not click any links or provide personal information

2. Do not respond to the message

3. Forward it to 7726 – a free service used to report scam texts

4. Delete the message from your phone

5. The 7726 service allows mobile users to report scam messages, which are then reviewed by government analysts. If confirmed as fraudulent, authorities may:

6. Shut down the associated phishing website

7. Work with mobile networks to block the sender

8. Issue scam alerts via official DWP channels

Anyone who have already clicked the link or shared personal or financial details should immediately contact their bank, and report the incident to Action Fraud via www.actionfraud.police.uk.