Unpaid carers set to bank a £500 benefit for their essential role they played during the pandemic have been warned to watch out for a nasty scam doing the rounds.
More than 57,000 unpaid carers in Wales will receive the one off payment from the Welsh Government in May. However, a warning has been issued that fraudsters are posing as Welsh Government workers have been asking for people’s bank details – claiming they account numbers and sort codes to pay carers the money. However, officials stress that the bonus can only be claimed by registering with your local council.
An unpaid carer is someone who cares for a partner, relative, or friend who has an illness or disability. Carer’s Allowance is paid to people caring for at least 35 hours a week who care for someone receiving certain benefits and who earn no more than £128 a week.
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The Welsh Government said the payment will benefit thousands of the most vulnerable unpaid carers in Wales who frequently care for the longest and are on the lowest incomes.
A Welsh Goverment statement on social media said: ” We’re aware of scammers asking people to share their bank details to receive our £500 payment for unpaid carers.
“The payment can only be claimed by registering with your council – which will open in May. Please never share your bank details.”
What to do if you do find yourself a victim of a scam?
Contact your bank
If you have been scammed and paid…
