Good Morning Resident,

I wanted to make yourself aware of an influx in scam text messages which are being reported to ourselves and to be mindful of ensuring what you receive is legitimate. 

Two common examples currently which are being sent out regularly are from either

Department Working Pensions scam text message : Informing the recipient of a rebate. This is normally time sensitive putting pressure on the recipient to fill the form out otherwise they won't receive the rebate. 

DVSA Parking ticket scam : Informing the recipient of a parking ticket that must be paid otherwise it threatens the recipient of being taken to court or that they will lose there licence. 

How to spot a scam / spam message 

These are some key things to look out for to stop you falling victim of these or similar scams. 

1.) The text messages are very generalised they are not usually addressed to your name and are sent on mass to many people.

2.) The website URL link / website. If you are to click the link the website will look an identical match to the official government websites however the URL will look completely different. This is a big red flag, as if a website is official it will end .gov.uk. 

3.) Text messages can sometimes arrive during very unsociable hours. DWP or DVSA wouldn't call or text you at 02:00am on a Sunday.

4.) Grammar is often poor with multiple spelling mistakes within the message. 

5.) Remember if something sounds too good to be true it usually is, and if your needed to be contacted by any of the government agencies this will usually done by letter addressed to you specifically rather than by general text message. 

Thank you,

Elliot