State pensioners are at risk of falling foul to scammers and fraudaters who are trying to trick them into handing over their details.
State pensioners could have bank account reduced to £0 and ‘nobody is immune’
State pensioners are being warned over phone calls being made to them this week. State pensioners are at risk of falling foul to scammers and fraudaters who are trying to trick them into handing over their details.
Warm Home Discount scammers are reaching out to older retirees over the £150 discounts from the DWP, energy firms and Labour Party government.
After an expansion of the scheme this year, state pensioners are being told scammers are trying to swindle them. The DWP has warned via social media ahead of autumn and winter: “If you get a call asking you to apply for the discount, it’s a scam.”
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The DWP adds:: “Do not share your personal information with people sending you unsolicited messages or making unsolicited calls Report suspicious calls and messages to @actionfrauduk.”
The Stop! Think Fraud campaign adds: “Fraudsters aren’t fussy. They’ll pick on anyone. Nobody is immune from fraud. The criminals behind it target people online and in their homes, often emotionally manipulating their victims before they steal money or personal data.”
It is feared state pensioners who hand over details could theoretically see their bank accounts emptied.
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter.
If you live in England and Wales, you will automatically receive the Warm Home Discount for 2025/26 if you received one of the following means-tested benefits on 25 August (the qualifying date for the payment).
Housing BenefitIncome-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)Income SupportPension Credit (both the Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit elements will count)Universal Credit
The £150 is typically deducted from your electricity bill between October and March. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead, as long as your supplier provides both your gas and electricity.