SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is urging constituents to be aware of suspicious messages.
Mr Rowlands has added his voice to a warning from North Wales Police about text messages and e-mails containing suspicious links purporting to be from the Department for Work and Pensions.
He said: “I recently highlighted a scam which was circulating regarding winter fuel payments and I am once again warning my constituents not to be fooled if they receive a message claiming to be from the DWP.
“More than ever these days we all have to be on the lookout for scammers and be especially aware of fake texts or emails especially if they are asking you to click on a suspicious link.
“Unfortunately there are some despicable characters out there who continue to try to scam the public like this and I am happy to add my voice to a warning from NWP.
“Just remember if the message looks suspicious please check it is legitimate and warn your family, friends and neighbours about the scam.”
Dewi Owen from North Wales Police says they have been receiving reports that individuals across North Wales have been receiving text messages and e-mails containing suspicious links purporting to be from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Some of the text messages claiming to be from the DWP include:
- The message outlined support available with heating grants and urged the recipient to act quickly as the application window would be closing soon. A link contained within the message led to a webpage requesting bank details for a £1 payment to be taken to verify the bank account for grant to be paid into.
- The message said the recipient could claim the winter fuel allowance but had to do so within 24 hours. The link within the message led to a page asking for bank details.
- The message said the recipient was entitled to claim £200- £300. The link within the message led to a webpage that asked for personal details and then card details (allegedly for a £0.01 test charge). The recipient contacted DWP who confirmed that this was a scam.
People have also been receiving emails claiming to be from DWP regarding winter fuel payments. The link within the e-mail led to a webpage that appeared to be a government page which asked for card details to be entered. The recipient contacted DWP who confirmed that this was a scam.
NWP are reminding people to always be careful with unverified links in unexpected messages. Never share personal or financial details unless you are certain that you are engaging with trusted official sources.
