| Councillor Ian Borthwick said he had been inundated with frantic calls over the weekend from elderly people who were fearful they would fall victim to identity theft after the DWP misplaced 26,000 pension notices.
Pensioners’ fears were heightened after it emerged the letters contained vital information such as bank details, including branch location and account number, as well as a full postal address and national insurance number.
Mr Borthwick said he was extremely disappointed by the latest mishap. However, his concerns had heightened after he called the DWP to discover what advice they would offer to pensioners.
He said, “One woman contacted me to say she had endeavoured to contact the DWP to see if she could find out where her notice was, only to be told that if she was concerned about identity theft she should visit her bank and changed her password, or open a new account.
“To make matters worse she was told should she do so she would, of course, have to contact the DWP and notify them of any changes to her account. I contacted the DWP myself seeking advice on how I could help any elderly person contacting myself, and was disappointed to have the same message relayed to me.
“I was told I should relay the same advice to anyone seeking any type of assurance from myself. I think that’s incredible, and yet another example of the DWP failing pensioners across the UK.”
A spokeswoman for the DWP said it would always advise pensioners genuinely concerned about fraudulent activity to contact their bank, building society or post office.
She added, “If someone believes there may be illegal activity targeting their account, they should contact their bank or other service provider to check whether or not there’s a problem.”
However, the spokeswoman stressed the DWP wished to reassure pensioners that security was a concern, adding, “We would like to apologise to everyone affected, anyone who has not received their letter, or got someone else’s. A full investigation has been launched, and we would like to assure everyone affected we take the issue of customer security very seriously.
“A full investigation is under way. Once that is completed we will contact everyone involved and apologise for the mistake.
The spokeswoman said pensioners should be aware that delivery of in excess of 11million pension notices was only at its earliest stages and advised many pensioners still awaiting their letter not to panic. |
