DWP Energy Support Scheme Scam Text – What You Need to Know?
Have you recently received a text message claiming you are eligible for a government energy bill rebate or payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)? If so, you’re not alone.
Across the UK, thousands of people have reported receiving these suspicious messages, often promising financial help under the guise of the DWP Energy Support Scheme. But are they real?
The simple answer is no. These messages are not only fake they are part of a widespread phishing scam designed to steal personal and financial information.
The DWP has publicly confirmed that the Energy Bills Support Scheme ended on 1 April 2024, meaning any messages referencing this support are fraudulent. Despite this, scammers continue to exploit public awareness of the scheme to trick unsuspecting recipients into handing over sensitive details.
What Was the Energy Bills Support Scheme and When Did It End?
To fully understand why these scam texts are circulating, it’s important to revisit what the Energy Bills Support Scheme was and how it worked.
Announced by the UK government in 2022, the scheme was introduced to help households cope with rising energy prices amid inflation and economic uncertainty.
The support involved an automatic £400 discount, applied over several months to domestic electricity accounts, usually without any need for action from the household.
Crucially, this scheme required no application, no bank details submission, and no contact with the DWP or any other agency via text or email. It was handled directly through energy suppliers.
As of 1 April 2024, the scheme was officially concluded. The DWP confirmed this, making it clear that any continued messages claiming to offer energy rebates or payment confirmations are not genuine.
What Does a DWP Energy Support Scam Text Typically Look Like?
The fraudulent messages often appear convincing. They typically claim that the recipient is due a rebate or must confirm personal details to receive a payment.
The message might appear urgent, warning that the payment will be lost if action isn’t taken immediately.
Examples of message content include phrases such as:
- “You’re entitled to a £400 rebate from DWP. Submit your claim here.”
- “Your DWP energy rebate is pending. Confirm your bank details now.”
- “Final notice: confirm your eligibility for government energy support.”
These texts are usually followed by a hyperlink. While the website may appear to be legitimate, sometimes mimicking the GOV.UK design it is in fact a fake site designed to collect your information.
How Can You Identify a Scam Text Claiming to Be from the DWP?
Many recipients wonder how to distinguish a scam message from a real one, especially when it involves something as serious as financial support from the government. There are several clues that a text message may not be legitimate.
Scam texts tend to come from unverified or random mobile numbers, often without any indication of a government source. The language may be poorly written or overly urgent, using scare tactics to prompt an immediate response.
More importantly, these messages often include links to unofficial domains that do not end in “.gov.uk”.
Genuine government bodies, including the DWP, do not send unsolicited messages asking for bank account details or personal information. They will also never pressure you into making hasty decisions.
Let’s break this down further in a comparison table:
| Feature | Genuine DWP Message | Scam Text Message |
| Source Number | Verified GOV.UK sender ID | Random or international mobile numbers |
| Link Provided | Official .gov.uk website | Fake sites or shortened URLs |
| Request for Information | No personal details requested | Request bank details or NI numbers |
| Language and Tone | Professional and straightforward | Urgent, pushy, or threatening |
| Confirmation Option | Via the official website or a letter | Through fraudulent links or SMS replies |
Recognising these differences can help protect both yourself and those around you.
What Has the DWP Said About These Scam Messages?
The DWP has not only acknowledged the increase in scam messages but has taken steps to help the public verify authenticity. In an official statement, the department stated:
“The Energy Bills Support Scheme ended on 1 April 2024.”
This reinforces the fact that any messages referencing this scheme are false. Furthermore, the DWP has advised people who are unsure about a message’s authenticity to forward it to 60599, their dedicated verification service.
Once forwarded, users will receive a response confirming whether the message is genuine.
Every text submitted to 60599 is analysed, with authorities working to block phishing sites and track down repeat offenders. This proactive approach is an essential part of combating SMS fraud across the UK.
Why Are These Scams on the Rise in the UK?
There has been a notable surge in digital fraud across the UK, and text message scams, also known as “smishing,have become increasingly common.
These scams often coincide with major government announcements, particularly those related to finances, such as benefits, cost-of-living payments, or tax refunds.
In the case of the energy support scheme, millions of people were familiar with the initiative, making it a recognisable and believable subject for fraudsters to exploit.
The conclusion of the scheme in April 2024 provided a perfect opportunity for scammers to trick people who might be unsure about whether they are still eligible or missed a payment.
Victims of these scams have reported financial losses, unauthorised bank activity, and identity theft. In some cases, scammers have used stolen information to apply for loans or access Universal Credit accounts.
What Should You Do If You Receive a DWP Scam Text?
If you receive a message that appears suspicious, the first and most important step is not to engage with it. Don’t click on any links, don’t reply, and don’t share any personal information.
The DWP and cybersecurity organisations recommend the following actions:
- Forward the message to 60599 to verify its authenticity.
- Report the message to 7726, a free spam-reporting service operated by mobile networks.
- Visit the official GOV.UK website to check for announcements or alerts.
- Delete the message after you’ve reported it.
- Contact your bank immediately if you suspect you’ve shared sensitive financial data.
- File a report with Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for cybercrime and fraud.
Taking action not only protects you but also helps authorities take down fraudulent websites and block scam phone numbers.
How Can You Stay Protected Against These Scams in the Future?
Staying informed is the most effective defence against digital fraud. Knowing how government departments like the DWP operate helps individuals spot inconsistencies in scam communications.
In addition to staying alert, you should also take a few precautionary steps:
- Install security software on your mobile device to detect malicious links.
- Regularly update your phone’s operating system, as security patches can prevent vulnerabilities.
- Educate family and friends, especially older adults who may be more susceptible.
- Only access benefits or government support information through GOV.UK.
If a message seems unusual, always take a moment to verify before reacting. Scammers often rely on emotional pressure and urgency to get recipients to act without thinking.
Is There Any Government Support Still Available for Energy Bills?
While the original Energy Bills Support Scheme has ended, the government continues to offer various forms of support depending on eligibility. These include:
- Cold Weather Payments
- Winter Fuel Payments
- Household Support Fund
- Energy Price Cap adjustments
Each of these schemes is announced officially and requires no submission of bank details via SMS. For the most accurate and current information, visit the official GOV.UK website.
How Can You Help Others Avoid DWP Scam Messages?
Awareness is a powerful tool. If you understand the risks and warning signs, take the opportunity to educate those around you. Share what you’ve learned with elderly relatives, neighbours, or friends who may not be tech-savvy.
If someone you know has been affected, encourage them to report it and offer support in recovering their information or securing their accounts. Reporting these scams ensures that data is gathered and used to track and shut down fraudulent operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I mistakenly provide my bank details in a scam message?
If you’ve shared financial information with a scammer, contact your bank immediately. They can monitor your account for suspicious activity, freeze it, or help you change account details. You should also report the incident to Action Fraud.
Are all text messages from DWP fake now that the energy scheme has ended?
Not necessarily. The DWP may still contact claimants via text for other valid reasons, such as benefit reminders or appointment confirmations. However, they will never ask for bank details or direct you to external links.
What should I do if someone I know has received a scam message?
Encourage them not to interact with the message. Help them forward it to 60599 or 7726 and delete it from their device. If they’ve provided any information, advise them to contact their bank and Action Fraud.
Can scammers fake GOV.UK websites?
Yes, scammers can create websites that look similar to GOV.UK. Always check the URL carefully official government websites end with .gov.uk. If in doubt, visit the site by typing the address manually in your browser.
Is the DWP still providing any financial support in 2025?
While the Energy Bills Support Scheme has ended, the DWP still oversees other benefit payments and support schemes.
Why is forwarding to 60599 important?
Messages sent to 60599 are reviewed by the DWP and cybersecurity teams to shut down phishing websites and block scam numbers. It’s an important tool in the fight against SMS fraud.
What legal action is taken against these scammers?
When reported through proper channels, phishing sites and scam operations are often investigated by cybercrime units. Repeated offenders can face charges under the Computer Misuse Act and other UK fraud laws.
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