Trading Standards Warning About Uk Government Living Allowance Scam Text

17th October 2024

Highland Council Trading Standards are warning residents to be on their guard following reports of an unsolicited text message claiming to be from the UK Government Living Allowance Office.

The text reads.

"UK Government Living Allowance Office Last Time Reminder: Due to the reduction of winter heating subsidy, you can no longer receive it, and the UK government has decided to advance the living subsidy to allow you to survive the winter.

We will reopen applications. Please apply for your living subsidy in the link as soon as possible after receiving the information. If you do not submit an application before 2024/10/15, we will cancel your qualification and reallocate the funds."

Mark McGinty Trading Standards Team Leader states: “Please be careful when you receive a text message from a Government Body, it's not usually something that Government Bodies do, and if you think the text means something to you please go to your original source and check things out that way”

He also offered this advice to anyone receiving such a text message:

Never click on any links in the text
Be suspicious
Beware of pressure selling tactics. These can include being told time is of the essence
Always check with the Government Body in another way, the .gov website is a good starting point.
Do not rely on a number provided in the text
Do not provide any personal information
Report the text by using 7726

Mr McGinty adds, “Scam texts are designed to get your interest and mislead you into thinking you are doing the right thing by responding. Responding will only give the scammers what they need to exploit you, usually financially, by emptying your bank account. Please take a minute to think and if in doubt do not engage.”

If you have a complaint or wish to report a scam text you can contact Trading Standards partner agency Advice Direct Scotland on telephone 0808 164 6000 or at www.consumeradvice.scot

The National Cyber Crime Agency provide further information on scam texts and how you can help protect yourself. This can be found at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/report-scam-text-message

If you are concerned about your safety or wish to report any suspicious behaviour you can contact Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.