DWP Energy Grant Application Text | Real or Fake?

June 12, 2025

8 minute read

Table of Contents

It started like any other day for many people across the UK, a simple notification from their mobile phones. But what looked like a helpful message about financial relief quickly turned into something far more concerning.

This blog explores what these messages say, how to spot the red flags, and how to protect yourself. More importantly, it clarifies what support is genuine and what is a fraudulent attempt to exploit public trust.

With guidance from official sources, real-life reports, and a deeper dive into how these scams work, this blog will help readers identify fake communications and stay one step ahead of scammers.

What Is the DWP Energy Grant Application Text Claiming?

The fraudulent text messages being circulated in 2025 claim to be from the DWP, offering recipients a financial grant for energy support.

These texts typically inform recipients that they are eligible for a government grant ranging between £200 to £300 under the Energy Support Scheme and urge them to complete an application before a strict deadline.

In many instances, the message reads:

“DWP Notice: You have not yet submitted your application for the 2024–2025 fiscal year energy allowance. According to our records, you are eligible for the Energy Support Scheme and may receive a grant of £200 to £300. Please complete your application by 6 June 2025.”

It ends with a warning: “Late applications will not be accepted, and the application channel will be permanently closed.”

These types of messages are not only unsolicited but also contain links to external websites that closely mimic the look and feel of official government portals.

The goal is to trick individuals into entering sensitive information such as bank details or personal identification, often leading to identity theft or financial loss.

Key Indicators in Scam Messages

Excessive urgency with phrases like “apply now”
Promises of large financial grants
Deadlines that are not officially communicated elsewhere
Links to suspicious websites not ending in .gov.uk

The DWP has made it explicitly clear that they do not send texts with clickable links asking individuals to apply for grants or benefits.

How Does the Fake Energy Support Scheme Text Work?

The scam operates in a multi-layered way, targeting individuals through both fear and hope. By mimicking the style and language of government communication, scammers make their messages seem credible.

These fraudulent texts are typically sent during times of financial vulnerability, such as during the cost-of-living crisis, when many are actively seeking assistance.

Once a person clicks on the link in the message, they are directed to a counterfeit website. This page often asks for:

National Insurance number
Date of birth
Bank account information
Address details

This phishing tactic is designed to steal personal credentials and commit fraud. In some cases, the data is used for identity theft or sold on the dark web. In other words, scammers may attempt unauthorised withdrawals from the victim’s bank account.

Red Flags on the Fake Websites

No secure (HTTPS) connection
Domain names with spelling variations
Poor grammar or formatting issues
Requests for bank or login details

The government has emphasised that real schemes do not require such urgent individual action, especially not via random text messages.

DWP Energy Grant Application Text – Real or Fake

DWP Energy Grant Application Text - Real or Fake

The confusion surrounding the legitimacy of the DWP Energy Grant Application text stems from the familiarity of the message. Many people have previously received legitimate communications from the DWP regarding benefits or financial help, especially during the pandemic and energy crisis.

So, how can one tell the difference between real and fake?

Signs the Message is Fake

It contains a shortened or unfamiliar URL
There is a deadline you were not aware of
It uses emotional language to pressure you
It asks for sensitive information directly

Signs the Message Might Be Genuine

It does not contain clickable links
It refers to a known claim you’ve made
It matches the communication you’ve received through official mail

However, the golden rule remains: If in doubt, forward the message to 60599. This is the official Government scam reporting number where analysts will confirm the message’s authenticity and take further action if needed.

When Did the Official Energy Bills Support Scheme End?

To add more clarity, the Energy Bills Support Scheme that offered help with utility bills was a legitimate government initiative. It was launched in October 2022 and was phased out on 1 April 2024.

Despite this scheme having ended, scammers continue to use its name in fraudulent messages. The confusion has led to many assuming the scheme is ongoing, especially as financial pressures persist into 2025.

Timeline of the Energy Bills Support Scheme

Milestone	Date
Scheme Launch	October 2022
Peak of Support Rollout	Winter 2022–23
End of Official Support Scheme	1 April 2024
Rise in Scam Messages	May – June 2025

Knowing that the scheme is no longer active should serve as an immediate red flag when receiving any texts that claim otherwise.

Why Are Scammers Targeting Energy Support Scheme Recipients?

Scammers have grown increasingly sophisticated in targeting recipients of government assistance. During a time when energy costs are high and economic conditions are tough, individuals are more vulnerable and likely to fall for offers that promise financial relief.

Those on benefits or with a history of receiving government aid are particularly at risk, as their data may have been part of previous breaches or purchased from black-market data brokers.

Key Reasons for Targeting

Higher likelihood of engaging with financial aid offers
Greater trust in official-looking communications
Desire for urgent relief from high energy bills
Familiarity with previous government support schemes

This specific scam is psychologically timed and tailored to exploit that trust and familiarity.

What Should You Do If You Receive a Suspicious DWP Text?

Receiving a text that looks like it’s from a trusted authority can be unsettling. Fortunately, there are clear steps to take if you’re unsure about a message claiming to be from the DWP.

Steps to Take Immediately

Forward the message to 60599: This is the official service monitored by the UK’s cyber defence teams. Once forwarded, you will receive confirmation about whether it’s a scam.
Delete the message: Do not interact with any links or call any numbers provided in the text.
Report to Action Fraud: You can also report suspicious activity via the Action Fraud website, which collects and investigates fraud across the UK.

Do’s and Don’ts

Action	Recommended?
Click on a link in the message	No
Share the message on social media	No
Forward to 60599	Yes
Contact your bank if compromised	Yes

These small actions can prevent large losses and even help others avoid being scammed.

How Can You Tell a Genuine DWP Message from a Fake One?

Genuine DWP messages differ significantly from scam messages, though the differences may be subtle at first glance. Understanding how the DWP actually communicates is the best way to identify fake messages.

How the DWP Sends Messages?

Only uses verified channels
Does not include clickable links in text messages
Refers users to the GOV.UK or encourages contact through official channels
Does not threaten users with final deadlines in an aggressive tone

Common Traits of Fake Messages

Overuse of capital letters or exclamation marks
Generic greetings instead of using your name
Sense of urgency and panic

Understanding the tone and structure of real communication is key to telling apart real from fake.

Are There Other Scams Similar to the Energy Grant Text?

Unfortunately, the DWP energy grant scam is not an isolated event. There are numerous similar scams operating under different guises, often targeting the same demographic.

Council Tax rebate scams
Cost of living payment phishing emails
Universal Credit claim fraud
Fake HMRC refund messages

Each of these scams uses a different pretext but shares the same structure, an urgent message, a promise of money, and a malicious link. As always, verification and caution remain the best defences.

What Action Is the Government Taking Against These Text Scams?

Government departments and security agencies have taken active steps to dismantle scam networks. By working with mobile providers and web hosting companies, many malicious websites and phone numbers have been taken down.

Steps Currently Taken

Review of every scam text reported to 60599
Immediate takedown requests to hosting services for phishing sites
Collaboration with telecom providers to block scam numbers
Ongoing public awareness campaigns

By reporting suspicious texts, every citizen contributes to dismantling the infrastructure that scammers rely on.

Final Thoughts: How to Stay Safe from Energy Text Scams?

With the rise of digital scams, vigilance is more important than ever. The DWP energy grant application text is a well-crafted attempt to deceive people during difficult financial times.

Knowing that the Energy Bills Support Scheme has officially ended helps clarify that any such messages in 2025 are fraudulent.

To stay safe, people should: