DWP claim they do not send text messages advising they will call

dariop

I have seen a number of posts from people who have received text messages from the 'DWP' advising they will call "tomorrow between 8am and 6pm to talk about paying voluntary National Insurance contributions". I spoke with the DWP today, they said today they do not send text messages so anyone who has received a similar message be aware it is some kind of scam. I'm not sure what the nature of the scam is, perhaps to get you to answer a call from an unknown number. 

teaselMay

I don't know about for pension contributions specifically but the DWP definitely do send automated text message reminders the day before a call/video call

molerat

Maybe you should take note of the official information from DWP

Not all call handlers are up to speed on what is happening in the background if they are not directly involved in the process.

dariop

I double checked and asked for confirmation from the handler's manager "We don't send text messages".  I'm only passing on what the handler said.

Do you have a link to the page you have screenshotted? 

JessieBella

DWP dont deal with NIC's,HMRC does. It's probably a scam to get you to pay for 'missing' conts. You can check for missing NIC's on the gov.uk website

SnowMan

dariop said:

I double checked and asked for confirmation from the handler's manager "We don't send text messages".  I'm only passing on what the handler said.

Do you have a link to the page you have screenshotted? 

Log onto your gateway account. Access the 'Your national insurance and State pension' section. And then to see the message about texting before they call, click on the bit that says

If you're waiting for a call back you do not need to contact us again. You can pay for gaps dating back to 2006 when we call you, even if it is after the 5 April deadline.

bobberdiddly

I recieved a text yesterday and a call back today. They wanted my Nat Ins no. and my D.O.B. which I gave them. I had decided to end the call if they asked for any financial details, or for payment but the handler was happy with the info given and said I would recieve an email.

I'll keep my eyes out for an email. If this is a scam they've got my Nat Ins number and D.O.B. but not sure if that info is much use to them other than part of a more ellaborate plan.

I would have thought it pretty easy info to glean from elsewhere.

Hopefully this is legit as the previous person suggests. I too recall seeing such a message after registering for a call back.

I'm not a benefit claimant so perhaps any possible scam will be redundant if I avoid paying money or giving bank/card details.

I'll update here if I recieve an email or any further phone calls.

bobberdiddly

Further to my last message, I do believe it's genuine. Molerat was correct I believe.

I checked on the gov.uk site and looked at Future Pensions page - the 0800 number advertised on there was the same 0800 number that called me today.

I will be vigilant but I suspect I'm safe this time.

I have passed the text message to HMRC for them to check for phishing scams. 60599 is the number to text them. I'll see what they say and report back here.

ali_bear

Fingers crossed you are ok. 

Just to point out that it's easy for a scammer to spoof the caller number ID. 

bobberdiddly

Update...

I called the Future Pensions Call Centre on 0800 731 0175. They say 'yes, they are currently sending a text informing of a call back the following day'. The handler thought it odd that I'd been told I'd receive an email though. They said it was perfectly normal for them to ask for my N.I. number and D.O.B. at the start of a conversation.

I feel happier now that there's no scam here.

The handler was able to answer my query on missing gaps in my N.I. years and that I could pay there and then if I wanted to. I didn't bother because I only have two more years to work to fill all my total years for the full pension, and at 52 I reckon it's worth the risk. I'm sure I'll work a couple more years at least.

Panic over... for now. There'll be more scams scares and more panic I'm sure! That's life.

daisy_1571

I got the text yesterday then the call today but after confirming nino and dob she said it will be passed on to 'an expert' and i'll get another call.  Has anyone else had this?

Daisy