UC crisis grants up to 1000 pounds

5imply_Ted

I was sent a txt several days ago with a link to gov.crisis.direct and didn't think much more about it until a couple of days later when another txt came to say I was eligible and to follow the link gov.id-check.uk/crisisgrant  along with an application id which sent me to the legitimate gov.uk website with an identity verification process. I followed the instructions but having done so was a bit wary. So this morning I called UC who, although didn't have details via my journal, or even knowledge of the crisis grants, assured me that it was not a scam and someone would be in touch. I'm confused because I can't find any reference to these UC crisis grants being offered without application via txt and would appreciate any clarity from the Scope community that I haven't been able to get so far from the UC phone lines. Is it a scam?

Adrian_Scope

Hi @5imply_Ted,
I'm really sorry to let you know that I don't believe this is a genuine message. If you've followed the link and logged in using your government ID, I'd strongly advise you to get your details changed as soon as possible. Sadly, there are a lot of fake messages offering grants etc doing the rounds at the moment which are targeting vulnerable people.

This is a relatively new scam involving the 'crisis grants', but there's some information about what to do when you're targeted by Universal Credit scams at Universal Credit scams - Money Advice Service.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community, unfortunately as said above it does sound like a scam but I am glad you have shared this with us to highlight it to other members

5imply_Ted

No problem. Members should take care, as the link that comes with the txt is very convincing and appears to take the victim to the genuine government website. To be reassured on the phone by UC themselves makes it even more confusing. 

5imply_Ted

Update: After lengthy discussions with UC throughout the day they have reached a decision on how to deal with this. They are putting a note on my account to say that I have not asked for an advance, and advised me to speak to my phone provider to deal with the fraudulent txt msgs which include uploading of victims passport and gateway to UC account.

Gee, thanks UC.

Adrian_Scope

Hi @5imply_Ted. From what I've read they usually try to set up a fake UC account (as ID is often being verified through Government Gateway), to take out an advance loan in someone else's name. 
As you're already in receipt of UC it shouldn't allow another account to be created using your information. Someone on legacy benefits wouldn't fare so well as it would automatically stop their legacy-benefit claims. You've definitely done the right thing by letting UC know what has happened.

Thank you for sharing it with us and raising awareness of the issue.

Lou67

Morning sorry to hear what has happened with you I hope you get it sorted, I got a call from DWP the other day someone had tried to claim a crisis grant in my name, but thankfully the guy dealing with it noticed all was no correct, he phoned me to ask if I had claimed for it which he didn’t think I had he was just checking, he sd I can contact police as they have an email account for the person who tried to claim, I’m just posting this to say sometimes the DWP do get it right this time they definitely did ?

Lou67

Sorry just to say I’m on ESA so don’t no how whoever it was got my details it’s a scary thought.