Halton residents have been caught out by a scam after receiving a letter stating they have made a new claim for Universal Credit when they have not.
Consumers are facing difficulties finding out more about the claim when they contact Universal Credit due to the way scammers have used the information they have got hold of.
As a result, many consumers had Housing Benefit cancelled or suspended following the new scam Universal Credit claim.
Council Trading Standards Officers are urging people to be vigilant to this new and potentially growing scam.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “We urge you to monitor your housing benefit claim regularly to check if it has been suspended or cancelled.”
If you think you have fallen victim to this scam, please contact Halton Borough Councils – Benefits Service on 0151 5117772.
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else plea