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How to spot and report fake household support scam targeting Ipswich

Ipswich residents are being warned about fraudsters sending scam text messages that promise £900 from the Household Support Fund in exchange for bank details.

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Scam: Universal credit app
Do not click any links or provide bank details if you receive a message saying you are eligible for £900 from the Household Support Fund

Why it matters: Trading Standards officials say scammers are targeting vulnerable residents with convincing fake messages that appear to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The big picture: The scam text messages tell residents they are eligible for £900 from the Household Support Fund if they:

  • Click on an included link

  • Pay £1

  • Provide their bank details

How to spot the scam: The DWP will never:

  • Ask you to pay money to receive benefits or support

  • Request your bank details via text message

  • Send links asking for personal information

What you should do:

  • Do not click any links

  • Do not provide bank details

  • Forward suspicious messages to 7726 to report them

The bottom line: Residents seeking legitimate information about the Household Support Fund in Suffolk can find details on the Suffolk County Council website. If you receive a text, make sure you report it.

Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of The Lanman Group, Menopause Vitamin Company and Upside Finance

The Lanman Group

The Lanman Group

The Lanman Group is an award-winning, fully MCS-accredited sustainable energy company with a 5-star rating on Google. From its offices in Suffolk, it serves businesses and homes across East Anglia.
Melissa Neisler Dickinson of the Menopause Vitamin Company

Menopause Vitamin Company

From its base in Ipswich, the Menopause Vitamin Company creates science-backed, all-in-one supplements that help women maintain their vitality and confidence during perimenopause and menopause.
Farida Rouane of Upside Finance

Improve your financial wellbeing

Based in Ipswich, Upside Finance provides expert mortgage, insurance and pensions advice, with a focus on making financial services accessible and straightforward.
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The Lanman Group, Menopause Vitamin Company and Upside Finance

The Lanman Group

The Lanman Group

The Lanman Group is an award-winning, fully MCS-accredited sustainable energy company with a 5-star rating on Google. From its offices in Suffolk, it serves businesses and homes across East Anglia.
Melissa Neisler Dickinson of the Menopause Vitamin Company

Menopause Vitamin Company

From its base in Ipswich, the Menopause Vitamin Company creates science-backed, all-in-one supplements that help women maintain their vitality and confidence during perimenopause and menopause.
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Improve your financial wellbeing

Based in Ipswich, Upside Finance provides expert mortgage, insurance and pensions advice, with a focus on making financial services accessible and straightforward.
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The Lanman Group, Menopause Vitamin Company and Upside Finance

The Lanman Group

The Lanman Group

The Lanman Group is an award-winning, fully MCS-accredited sustainable energy company with a 5-star rating on Google. From its offices in Suffolk, it serves businesses and homes across East Anglia.
Melissa Neisler Dickinson of the Menopause Vitamin Company

Menopause Vitamin Company

From its base in Ipswich, the Menopause Vitamin Company creates science-backed, all-in-one supplements that help women maintain their vitality and confidence during perimenopause and menopause.
Farida Rouane of Upside Finance

Improve your financial wellbeing

Based in Ipswich, Upside Finance provides expert mortgage, insurance and pensions advice, with a focus on making financial services accessible and straightforward.
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