Havant Borough Council issues warning over distressing Universal Credit scam

According to Havant Borough Council, it targets young, single claimants in a bid to coax information out of them.

The authority said scammers amend the victim's account to include several children before requesting an advance on funds. 

Once the money is received the scammers then allegedly demand to be paid – threatening violence to the victim and their family and sending graphic and distressing pictures and videos.  

The council urged people to be aware the Department for Work and Pensions will never ask for personal log-on information.