News
November 29, 2025
DWP issues warning to all people with a National Insurance Number
The DWP has warned Brits they could be putting themselves at risk of fraud
**DWP Issues Warning to Protect Your National Insurance Number**
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a nationwide alert, urging all individuals with a National Insurance number to be vigilant against potential fraud. This warning comes amidst growing concerns about scammers using increasingly sophisticated methods to target unsuspecting citizens.
Your National Insurance number is a unique identifier used to track your National Insurance contributions and entitlement to certain benefits and services, including state pension. It's essentially a key piece of your personal information, and falling into the wrong hands can have serious consequences.
The DWP is particularly concerned about scams where individuals are contacted, often via phone, email, or text message, and pressured to reveal their National Insurance number. Scammers may pose as representatives from the DWP, HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs), or even banks and building societies. They might claim there's an issue with your National Insurance contributions, a problem with your benefits, or even offer a supposed refund – all tactics designed to trick you into divulging sensitive information.
The department stresses that they will never ask you to provide your National Insurance number or other personal details via unsolicited calls, emails, or texts. If you receive such a communication, it should be treated with extreme caution.
"Protecting your personal information is crucial in preventing fraud," a DWP spokesperson stated. "We urge everyone to be extra careful and never share your National Insurance number with anyone you don't trust, especially if they contact you out of the blue."
The warning also advises individuals to be wary of requests for upfront payments or personal banking details. Scammers often use these tactics to steal money or commit identity theft.
If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, the DWP advises you to report it immediately to Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can contact them online or by phone. Taking these steps can help protect yourself and prevent others from becoming victims of fraud. Remember, staying informed and vigilant is the best defense against these increasingly sophisticated scams.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a nationwide alert, urging all individuals with a National Insurance number to be vigilant against potential fraud. This warning comes amidst growing concerns about scammers using increasingly sophisticated methods to target unsuspecting citizens.
Your National Insurance number is a unique identifier used to track your National Insurance contributions and entitlement to certain benefits and services, including state pension. It's essentially a key piece of your personal information, and falling into the wrong hands can have serious consequences.
The DWP is particularly concerned about scams where individuals are contacted, often via phone, email, or text message, and pressured to reveal their National Insurance number. Scammers may pose as representatives from the DWP, HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs), or even banks and building societies. They might claim there's an issue with your National Insurance contributions, a problem with your benefits, or even offer a supposed refund – all tactics designed to trick you into divulging sensitive information.
The department stresses that they will never ask you to provide your National Insurance number or other personal details via unsolicited calls, emails, or texts. If you receive such a communication, it should be treated with extreme caution.
"Protecting your personal information is crucial in preventing fraud," a DWP spokesperson stated. "We urge everyone to be extra careful and never share your National Insurance number with anyone you don't trust, especially if they contact you out of the blue."
The warning also advises individuals to be wary of requests for upfront payments or personal banking details. Scammers often use these tactics to steal money or commit identity theft.
If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, the DWP advises you to report it immediately to Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can contact them online or by phone. Taking these steps can help protect yourself and prevent others from becoming victims of fraud. Remember, staying informed and vigilant is the best defense against these increasingly sophisticated scams.
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