In June the government announced it would be expanding Winter Fuel Payments to benefit nine million pensioners
15:43, 18 Jul 2025Updated 18:10, 18 Jul 2025
In June the government announced it would be expanding Winter Fuel Payments to benefit nine million pensioners (Image: PA)
HMRC is warning to be on “high alert” for scams as reports have risen over the past month. Fraudsters have been targeting vulnerable people using texts and phishing websites.
The increase in scam attempts comes after the government announced a major U-turn about winter fuel payments. In June the government announced it would be expanding Winter Fuel Payments to benefit nine million pensioners this winter. Everyone over the State Pension age in England and Wales with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year will benefit from the payment.
This increased threshold means no lower or middle-income pensioners will miss out, with the vast majority – over three quarters – of pensioners in England and Wales receiving the payment. Universal winter fuel payments were introduced by Mr Brown when he was chancellor in 1997, in the first year of the New Labour government.
Last month, HMRC acted to remove 4,600 fake websites linked to winter fuel payments. The revenue body is urging people to watch out for suspect communications and to report any suspect phone calls, emails or texts via gov.uk.
HMRC will never contact people by text to claim winter fuel payments or request personal information. Winter fuel payments are paid automatically to those who are eligible.
Kelly Paterson, HMRC’s chief security officer, said: “Don’t be fooled by these attempts by scammers to take your money or access your personal information.
“Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard. If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don’t give out private information or reply, and don’t download attachments or click on links.
“I’m urging people to be alert to scams relating to winter fuel payments and to report any suspicious texts, phone calls or emails to HMRC.”
Last month DWP shared a warning to people about the same scam. On X, formerly known as Twitter, the DWP warned: “Beware: If you get a text about “Winter Fuel Payment” it is a scam. Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, you do not need to do anything.”
The government department has told people to report suspicious texts to to Stop! Think Fraud campaign. “Stop! Think Fraud” is a UK government campaign aimed at educating the public and protecting them from fraud, particularly online and in person.
On the campaign website, they state: “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.”
Martin Lewis has also been vocal about potential scams, on This Morning he said: “You do not need to apply for Winter Fuel Payment, it is automatic and anyone asking you to apply is a scammer. Do not do it.”