Fake WASPI Compensation Websites: How to Tell Real News from a Scam

Fake websites claim women born in the 1950s can claim WASPI compensation. Here's how to spot them, where to find the real news, and what to do if you've already shared details.

Software for Seniors

10/17/20263 min read

What you'll learn

• Why fake WASPI compensation websites are appearing now

• Five signs that a website or message isn't genuine

• Where to find reliable, up-to-date information

• What to do, step by step, if you've already entered your details

If you're one of the women born in the 1950s affected by the changes to the State Pension age, you've had a long wait for answers. You may have followed the news for years, hoped for a result and felt let down along the way. That's completely understandable — and it's exactly why scammers are now targeting you.

This guide is here to help you stay in control. There's no need to feel worried. Once you know what to look for, these fake sites are much easier to spot than you might think.

What's actually going on?

In 2024, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman said women affected by the State Pension age changes should be compensated, and suggested payments of between £1,000 and £2,950. Those numbers have stuck in people's minds — and scammers are using them.

The government has since decided not to pay compensation, and at the time of writing (October 2026) there is no official compensation scheme you can apply to. Campaigners are still pushing for a different outcome, so the situation could change — which is why it's so important to check the real sources rather than trusting a website that claims to know.

Meanwhile, fake websites have appeared saying that a payment of around £3,000 is ready to claim. Some are dressed up to look like official calculators and even borrow trusted names, such as the consumer expert Martin Lewis, who has said these sites are fake. They ask for your bank details, your National Insurance number or a copy of your birth certificate. Anyone who has that information can do real damage.

Five signs a website or message isn't genuine

  1. It says "claim now" or sets a deadline. Real government schemes don't rush you.

  2. It asks for bank details, ID or a birth certificate up front. A real scheme would never ask for these on a random website.

  3. It uses a famous name or a "calculator". Trusted names are often borrowed without permission.

  4. The web address looks slightly off. Official government sites end in gov.uk. A site ending in .com, .info or .online is not government.

  5. It arrived out of the blue. If a text, email or advert you didn't ask for says you're owed money, treat it with caution.

Where to find the real news

  • The WASPI campaign's own website: waspi.co.uk

  • GOV.UK (type it into your browser yourself rather than clicking a link)

  • Trusted consumer sites such as MoneySavingExpert and Which?

Tip: if you're unsure, search for the news yourself and look for it on several well-known sites. If only one odd website is shouting about it, that tells you something.

If you've already entered your details

First of all: please don't blame yourself. These sites are built by professionals to look convincing, and they catch out very careful people. What matters now is acting quickly. Here's what to do:

  1. Ring your bank straight away, using the number on the back of your card (or dial 159 to be put through to your bank). Tell them what you've shared.

  2. Change your passwords, starting with your email account. Use a different one for every account.

  3. Watch for follow-up calls, texts or emails. People who have your details sometimes try again, pretending to be your bank or the police.

  4. If you shared a copy of your birth certificate or National Insurance number, mention that to your bank and ask about fraud protection.

  5. Report it at reportfraud.police.uk. This is the service that replaced Action Fraud.

Helping the next person

If you spot a scam website, you can report it to the National Cyber Security Centre at ncsc.gov.uk. Scam emails go to report@phishing.gov.uk, and scam texts can be forwarded to 7726. It costs nothing and it helps to get these sites taken down. If a friend or sister has mentioned the "compensation" website, sharing this guide with them is a kind thing to do.

The simple rule to remember

If something asks you to hurry, or to hand over your bank details to receive money, stop. Real money isn't collected that way. Close the page, take a breath, and check with a source you trust.

You've done the hard part already by reading this. Why not forward it to someone who might need it, and take a look at our other safety guides on the site? A few minutes of knowing what to look for can protect you for years.

Quick summary

• There is no official WASPI compensation scheme to apply to at the moment

• Never share bank details or ID on a website that says "claim now"

• Check real news at waspi.co.uk or GOV.UK

• If you've shared details, ring your bank straight away and report it at reportfraud.police.uk

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