** Local Scam Alert **
Just received from Havant Borough Council:
Young, predominately single, people are being encouraged to join a WhatsApp group to find out ways of receiving more Universal Credit or for help to submit a claim.
The group then coaxes relevant information out of the customer, accesses their online account and amends the details to include several children, before requesting an advance on funds.
Once the advance hits the young person’s account, the group demands the funds and threatens violence to the young person and their friends and family if this request is not completed. The threats often include graphic, and distressing images and/or videos.
The Department for Work and Pensions - DWP will NEVER ask for personal log-in information and/or passwords from you, and doesn’t use WhatsApp to provide service to customers.
If you do need help to claim Universal Credit, Citizens Advice can offer support at the local Job Centre.
(their spelling, not mine)
Young, predominately single, people are being encouraged to join a WhatsApp group to find out ways of receiving more Universal Credit or for help to submit a claim.
The group then coaxes relevant information out of the customer, accesses their online account and amends the details to include several children, before requesting an advance on funds.
Once the advance hits the young person’s account, the group demands the funds and threatens violence to the young person and their friends and family if this request is not completed. The threats often include graphic, and distressing images and/or videos.
The Department for Work and Pensions - DWP will NEVER ask for personal log-in information and/or passwords from you, and doesn’t use WhatsApp to provide service to customers.
If you do need help to claim Universal Credit, Citizens Advice can offer support at the local Job Centre.
(their spelling, not mine)
