Is this a scam or do I have to pay it back?

textbook

Benefit agency are asking me to pay this back allegedly.   How do I check it's real?  And why am I paying anything back? 

Shall I google the number then call?


[Image redacted for personal information by Forum Team]

TadleyBaggie

Pay what back?

Ayr_Rage

What benefits or other payments do you receive?

1. Call the number as advised.

2. Create a GOV.UK ONE account, log in and see what it refers to.

It is not a scam.

peteuk

Google the support line number (always a good way to check a scam). However I would say this looks legit.  

If you ignore it they may reduce your benefits or even take it from your wage, so dont ignore it.  Call the legit helpline, fine out what has caused the overpayment and then either complain or pay it.

To work out a payment plan is really easy.

fatbelly

Looks genuine to me.

Are you receiving any benefit at present?

Are you employed?

molerat

The phone number and address are genuine, a simple Google found that, so best you contact them.

poppy12345

fatbelly said:

Looks genuine to me.

Are you receiving any benefit at present?

Are you employed?

Previous threads suggest they were or are claiming UC. 

fatbelly

Then they'll make a deduction from UC at the standard rate.

 If that causes hardship, tell them, and ask them to lower the rate. You can use a letter or phone them.

TELLIT01

If they haven't explained what the overpayment is, you need to request that information before paying anything back.  The important thing at this stage is to make contact with DWP.

The cause of the overpayment no longer makes any difference.  Even if it's official error you will have to pay it back.