The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued a warning to anyone claiming the Winter Fuel Payment
The DWP has launched a campaign in collaboration with Action Fraud to alert pensioners(Image: Peter Cade via Getty Images)
Pensioners are being urged to remain vigilant as fraudsters posing as government officials target Winter Fuel Payments ahead of next month’s disbursements. Official statistics reveal that reports of scam text messages more than doubled at the end of September, a 153% increase in just one week, as criminals attempt to deceive older people into divulging their bank details.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have stated that these con artists are sending messages claiming recipients must “apply” for their Winter Fuel Payment, when in reality, the money is automatically paid out.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “If you get a text message about Winter Fuel Payments, it’s a scam. They will be made automatically, so you do not need to apply.
Pensioners are being urged to remain vigilant(Image: Goran13 via Getty Images)
“These despicable attempts by criminals to target people are on the rise. We are raising awareness to make it harder for fraudsters to succeed. If you receive a suspicious message, don’t engage – forward it to 7726 and delete it immediately.”
The DWP has launched a campaign in collaboration with Action Fraud to alert pensioners, using social media and community groups to emphasise the risks. They are also partnering with charities such as Independent Age, which has reported a significant increase in calls from worried pensioners who have received scam messages.
Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE said: “Scammers are shamefully exploiting the Winter Fuel Payment to target older people living on low incomes. This entitlement is a vital lifeline that helps protect those facing financial hardship during the colder months.
“Our helpline has heard from people worried they might lose their payment if they don’t respond to a text. The key message is clear: you do not need to do anything to receive your Winter Fuel Payment – it will be paid automatically.”
The Government emphasised that it will never request bank details via text or email, and any message inviting people to “apply” for a payment should be disregarded. Suspicious texts can be reported free of charge by forwarding them to 7726, which aids mobile providers in blocking the numbers.
Jonathan Silvester, HMRC’s digital defence lead, added: “Scammers target people by attempting to take your money or access your personal information. “Never let yourself be rushed – if someone contacts you about Winter Fuel Payments and wants you to urgently give information or transfer money, be on your guard. “.
Winter Fuel Payments – worth up to £300 per household – will be automatically deposited into eligible pensioners’ bank accounts between mid-November and December, with confirmation letters sent beforehand. The DWP said that support for pensioners remains a government priority, with the Triple Lock ensuring state pensions increase by up to £1,900 next year.
Pensioners on low incomes may also be entitled to Pension Credit, worth around £4,300 a year, or Attendance Allowance, worth more than £5,700 annually for those with care needs.
How to protect yourself from scams
Winter Fuel Payments are automatic – you do not need to applyThe DWP will never ask for bank details by text or emailForward suspicious texts to 7726 (free)
Anyone concerned can contact Independent Age’s free helpline on 0800 319 6789. The DWP said the crackdown comes as reports of scam texts jumped from 164 to over 415 in just one week at the end of September – a sign criminals are stepping up efforts as temperatures fall and payments near.