WASPI women have been warned scammers may try and entice them into handing over their details with fake compensation schemes.
The WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaigners are waiting to hear if they will be granted compensation by the Government.
The 1950s-born generation of women were affected when the state pension age increased from 60 to 65, and they were not properly notified by the DWP of the change, meaning many of them had to suddenly change their retirement plans.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has determined there was maladministration on the part of the DWP and has recommended payouts of between £1,000 and £2,950.
MPs backing the cause have previously called for higher compensation of £10,000 or more, and scammers may try to take advantage of this situation.
Former pensions minister Steve Webb wrote for This is Money: “As things stand there is no compensation scheme and nothing to ‘register’ for. If you are asked to put your details into a website it may well be a scam.”
Scammers sometimes set up websites and send emails pretending to be from official organisations such as the DWP, using formal language to try and appear genuine.
They will often include a link to a website or online form to fill in your personal or financial details, which they can then use to steal your money or for other fraudulent purposes.
If you receive a suspicious email allegedly from an authority, it’s advised to contact the group yourself to verify the situation.
The WASPI campaigners have been in action recently attending the Labour and Liberal Democrat party conferences to voice their issue.
Many MPs back the cause for compensation with the Liberal Democrats and the SNP adopting as a party position that the women should get payouts.
The campaigners also recently met with pensions minister Emma Reynolds to set down their demands for the new Labour Government.
WASPI campaign chair Angela Madden stated their case previously: “It’s in the Ombudsman’s report: we didn’t get sufficient information, we weren’t informed correctly of the impact of pensions changes on us.
“The Ombudsman has said we deserve compensation and an apology. That is quite clear.”
An early day motion has also been set up with MPs from several political parties calling for a “proper plan” for compensation for the women.
The campaigners will be making their voices heard again outside Parliament on October 30 for Budget day, as they will hold a demonstration at Westminster.
