Is this debt letter real?

MaryLegs_

I received this letter today and have no idea if it’s real! I’ve never seen anything like this before and really cannot understand how if I owed any money I wouldn’t have any idea about it until it was £5k? And also what would I even owe money for? I’m reluctant to type the link in and follow the login, incase it’s a scam, but I googled the number and that seems legit but I cannot call them until Monday. I just wondered if anyone had received anything similar in the past? My address is obviously correct, my full name and NI number which I’ve blocked out to post here for help. 

TIA!

calcotti

Looks authentic. The telephone numbers are correct (https://www.gov.uk/benefit-overpayments/how-to-make-a-repayment) so ring them if you want to - although they are notoriously difficult to get through to.

Have you ever claimed Tax Credits? There is a lot of historic Tax Credit that has been passed to DWP Debt Management to collect.

MaryLegs_

Thanks for your help! Yeah I looked up the numbers but they’re closed until Monday so was just trying to figure it out. I haven’t ever claimed tax credits (not entirely sure what they are) so am just at a loss as to how I could owe any money let alone this much so am slightly panicked. I was on Universal Credit for a period last year but that’s the only benefit I’ve ever claimed. 

Robbie64

You need to blank out the security code as this is most likely unique to you. Even if a date of birth is also required you could end up generating lots of activity reports if people try to login under a wrong date of birth.

edit to add: the link is genuine.

molerat

The web address is the real deal so you could go and have a look at the breakdown of the debt.

calcotti

Does the amount they say you owe bear any resemblance to the amount of UC you received last year?

MaryLegs_

Will tally up now but potentially… I’m still at a loss as to why I now owe them it though?

calcotti

Are you still able to access your UC journal to see if there are any messages on that?

tomtom256

If you claimed during the pandemic and didn't have your ID ect verified, repair teams have been contacting customers and if they fail to attend and provide evidence requested, they are being hit with an overpayment for the whole period of their claim.

Have they tried to contact you perhaps?

huckster

If you don't have access to your UC claim to check journal messages, call the UC  helpline 0800 328 5644.  

If it does relate to what tomtom mentions above, will not be too late to book an appointment at a Job Centre (via number above) and to have your ID plus other information verified. Once verified, they can pass onto Decision Maker to reconsider the debt being owed.