We have been made aware of scam / fraudulent emails and text messages being sent by third parties falsely claiming to represent The Debt Advice Service and/or Money Wellness.

These emails may:

• Claim urgent legal action is about to begin
• Mention enforcement agencies – CCJs, bailiffs or wage deductions
• Refer to known debt collection agencies to appear legitimate
• Ask you to obtain and share your credit report
• Promise to “challenge” or “discharge” debts
• Use a false company name and false FCA registration details without authorisation

How to identify these scam emails

The fraudulent messages often:

Use unofficial email addresses
For example, free personal email services such as Gmail.

Create pressure or urgency
They may claim you have only 24–48 hours to respond.

Request sensitive financial information
Including credit reports or account details.

Contain misleading legal statements
For example suggesting debt enforcement can begin immediately without formal legal process.

Important: How The Debt Advice Service communicates

The Debt Advice Service will only contact customers through official company email addresses ending in: @thedebtadviceservice.co.uk or by SMS (text message).

We will never:

• Contact you from Gmail, Hotmail or Outlook addresses
• Ask you to send your credit file by reply email
• Threaten immediate legal action
• Guarantee debts can be “written off” or “discharged”

If you receive a suspicious email

Please:

1. Do not reply
2. Do not send any personal information
3. Do not click links
4. Check the FCA register to check information about a firm
5. Report the email to Action Fraud 
6. Contact us directly using the contact details published on this website

We are actively reporting these incidents to the relevant authorities.

If you are struggling with debt contact The Debt Advice Service today to discuss your options and regain control of your finances.  Start your debt assessment now Debt Help & Advice | The Debt Advice Service

For free debt solution advice go to Moneyhelper.org.uk – we are not associated with Money Helper.  If you enter a debt solution with The Debt Advice Service fees may apply. 

The post URGENT SCAM ALERT appeared first on The Debt Advice Service.

The good news? Even though the festive season is over, it’s not too late to take action. At The Debt Advice Service, we help people just like you manage post-Christmas credit card debt and start the year on a more secure financial footing.

Recognising the Problem

It’s normal to overspend at Christmas, but mounting credit card debt can quickly become a worry if it’s left unchecked. Signs that your credit card debt is becoming unmanageable include:

• Receiving multiple statements with balances higher than you expected

• Struggling to make even the minimum monthly payments

• Using one credit card to pay off another

• Feeling anxious or losing sleep over money

Recognising the problem early is the first step to taking control.

Steps to Take If You’re Facing Post-Christmas Debt

1. Don’t Ignore the Statements
   Avoiding your bills may feel tempting, but it will only make the problem worse. Open the statements, check your balances, and understand exactly what you owe.

2. Make a Budget
   Review your income and outgoings. Identify essentials versus discretionary spending and see how much you can realistically put toward your credit card debt.

3. Contact Your Credit Card Provider
   If you can’t pay the full balance, reach out to your provider. Many companies offer repayment plans, temporary reduced interest, or other support if you communicate early.

4. Prioritise High-Interest Debt
   Credit cards often carry high interest rates. Paying down the highest-interest debt first can reduce the overall amount you’ll owe.

5. Seek Professional Advice
   If your debt feels overwhelming, don’t wait. Professional advice can help you explore solutions like debt management plans, balance transfers, or other options to prevent escalation.

How The Debt Advice Service Can Help

At The Debt Advice Service, we specialise in helping people navigate credit card debt and other financial challenges. Our team can:

• Review your current debts and repayments

• Advise on options such as debt management plans or informal arrangements

• Negotiate with creditors on your behalf

Remember: The Sooner You Act, The Better

The key takeaway is this: don’t wait until the debt spirals out of control. Even if it feels daunting, reaching out for help early opens up more options and can save you money in the long run.

If your post-Christmas bills are causing worry, contact The Debt Advice Service today. We’ll help you find the right solution and start the year on a more secure financial footing.  Start your debt assessment Debt Help & Advice | The Debt Advice Service

For free debt solution advice go to Moneyhelper.org.uk – we are not associated with Money Helper.  If you enter a debt solution with The Debt Advice Service fees may apply. 

The post Credit Card Debt After Christmas: What to Do When the Bills arrive appeared first on The Debt Advice Service.

At The Debt Advice Service, we know how tough it can be to manage money — especially if you’re in debt or struggling with bills.

That’s why we’ve launched a free Benefits Checker, powered by our trusted partner Inbest.

This simple tool helps you check benefits online and find out what financial support you may be entitled to — all in just a few minutes.

What is the Benefits Checker?

The Benefits Checker is a quick and easy way to see if you qualify for:

• Universal Credit

• Housing support

• Child benefits

• Tax credits

• Other financial support in the UK

Millions of households are missing out on money they could claim. Our goal is to make sure you’re not one of them.

Why Use the Benefits Checker?

Using the Benefits Checker gives you:

• Quick answers – see what benefits you may qualify for in minutes

• Personalised results – based on your income and household

• Free and confidential help – no obligation, no cost

• A clear next step – on where to go to apply or find out more

Alongside identifying extra income, our team can also guide you through solutions if debt repayments are becoming unmanageable.

How the Benefits Checker Works

1. Answer a few questions – share basic details about your income, household, and living situation.

2. Get instant results – the tool checks the latest rules to show what benefits you may be entitled to.

3. Apply for support – if you could claim extra help, you’ll get direct links to apply on GOV.UK.

Why Not Just Search Online?

Searching “am I entitled to benefits” online can be confusing. There’s lots of outdated or unclear information.

Our tool is:

• Regularly updated with the latest UK benefit rules

• Accurate and reliable – powered by Inbest

• Simple and confidential – no jargon, no fuss

If you also need some breathing space from creditor pressure, read our full guide to the government’s Breathing Space scheme.

Take Control of Your Finances

Knowing what help is available can make a big difference.

Whether you’re:

• Struggling with debt

• Worried about the cost of living

• Or just checking if you’re missing out on support

…the Benefits Checker is here to help. If debt is also weighing you down, explore our full range of Debt Solutions for tailored support.

Try the Free Benefits Checker Today

• Check benefits online in minutes

• See if you’re entitled to extra income

• Get impartial advice and support

Take the first step today by trying the Benefits Checker. If you’d prefer to talk things through, you can contact us for free, confidential advice.

This tool gives an estimate based on your answers. For full details and applications, visit Benefits calculators – GOV.UK.

For free debt solution advice go to Moneyhelper.org.uk – we are not associated with Money Helper.  If you enter a debt solution with The Debt Advice Service fees may apply. 

The post Free Online Benefits Checker – See What You Could Be Entitled To appeared first on The Debt Advice Service.