Universal Credit warning as fraudsters unleash new tactic to steal personal data

Universal Credit claimants have been warned about a scam (Image: GETTY) Scammers are posing as DWP officials in an attempt to con Universal Credit claimants into handing over personal details. A video on Twitter from the DWP warned people criminals may contact them purporting to be from the department asking for proof of ID by passport. People need to be particularly vigilant as the DWP may genuinely ask for this as a form of identification. The Twitter post warned: ‘Be fraud aware and protect your personal details at all times. Your information could be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud.’ The video in the post explained the genuine process for how the DWP would ask for ID so people can tell when they are being targeted by scammers. Universal Credit claimants have been warned about a scam (Image: GETTY) The message said: ‘The DWP may ask you to submit ID such as your passport. We will always add a message to your journal to prove it is us. ‘Your information can be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud. If you believe you have been targeted, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.’ The DWP is also working to tackle cases of fraud within the benefits system, with Universal Credit still making up the majority of cases. Universal Credit claimants have been warned about a scam (Image: Getty) Officials warned a common way people try to fraudulently claim is by submitting photoshopped photos. Explaining the fraudsters’ tactics, the group said: ‘During the last two years the team has received thousands of manipulated and constructed documents to try and pursue claims whilst being abroad. ‘Skilled fraud officers can quickly detect and prevent and repair any fraud area that’s emerging, and they have to be much more experienced looking at these fraud trends.’ ‌In a common tactic used in bogus claims, image analysts noticed the same lime green door appears in photos submitted by a number of claimants pretending to prove they lived in the UK. The department can rapidly respond to cases of fraud with its Enhanced Review Team which detects fraudulent claims as well as prevents fraud from taking place. Officials carry out phone conversations and face to face interviews to check a claim is genuine, and they can ask a claimant to upload documentation to verify their claim. The team also has the ability to remove elements that have not been verified or suspend or close a claim if no verification is sent over. For the latest personal finance news, follow us on Twitter at @ExpressMoney_.