The message being sent out refers to a “Living Payment” worth £750 and is being sent out as a text message. It is asking those who receive it to “take action” and the message includes a link to a website.

However, although Government support is available for some to help with the rising cost of living, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has said messages that ask people to apply or contact someone for a payment may be fake.

It also said it would never ask for personal details by text message or email.

Millions of people have received money from the Government through its cost of living payments. These were made to help with spiralling costs and high inflation.

Yet scammers have also profited from the crisis by tricking people into parting with their personal details with false promises of financial aid.

Last year, fraudsters stole £4bn through banking scams and ID fraud cases now account for almost 70% of cases filed to the National Fraud Database.

How to deal with scams

Anyone who receives the fake message is being advised to forward it to 7726 as this will report the scam to their mobile provider for free. You can also send any emails which you think may be scams to report@phishing.gov.uk.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, or someone has access to your financial details, you should report this to the police. You can do this by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via its website.

A DWP spokesperson said: “All cost-of-living payments are sent out automatically and directly to those eligible, and customers do not need to apply or contact the Government at any stage. If you have had a message asking you to apply, accept or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.”