Fake News on Benefits Threatens UK Residents During Economic Strain
Misinformation about UK benefits and government payments is spreading online, targeting millions affected by the cost of living crisis. False claims suggest the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Cost of Living Payment (2022-2024) is returning this year, and that Universal Credit and Pension Credit recipients could receive automatic £500 payments. Other fake stories claim WASPI campaigners are eligible for tax-free compensation and that the state pension age increase to 67 has been canceled. These sites, often non-UK based, exploit Google's search rankings to promote sensational, false headlines. Experts warn that such misinformation preys on financial anxieties during the cost of living crisis, urging users to verify claims through official .gov.uk sources or reputable charities rather than relying on search results.