Watch out for winter fuel payment scams

If you’re a pensioner, you might have received a text encouraging you to apply for your winter fuel payment.

But these texts are bogus and trying to trick you into sharing your personal information, including your bank account details.

The timing is no coincidence.

This week, the government announced that everyone over the state pension age with an annual income of £35,000 or less will get a winter fuel payment this year.

But crucially, it also said that these payments will be made automatically.

This means that anyone eligible for the winter fuel payment doesn’t need to take any action.

What do the scam texts say?

Several scam texts are doing the rounds at the moment, with one recently reported saying:

“DWP Service Centre: You have not yet completed your application for an energy subsidy for 2024-2025. The subsidy is £300. It is important that you submit your application by 10 June. Late applications will not be processed. (LINK) 

“(Please reply “yes” and then exit the text message and re-open to activate the link, or copy the link and open it in your browser). Have a great day, DWP.”

If you get a text along these lines, don’t click on the link or reply, as it’s a scam.

What to do if you think you’ve been scammed

If you’ve already responded to a scam message:

Stop all contact immediately 

Don’t reply further or click any more links.

Contact your bank straight away

Cancel any payments or direct debits you may have set up. You can also call 159 - a secure hotline that connects you directly to your bank to report suspected scams.

Report the scam

Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit actionfraud.police.uk to report the scam online.

Look out for warning signs

Being scammed can have a devastating effect.

For example, Citizens Advice recently found that over 40% of people who were scammed last year had to borrow or increase debt just to cope, with many turning to family or taking on extra work to make ends meet. 

So it’s well worth making sure you know what methods fraudsters are using and what red flags to look out for.

Our handy guide on how to spot a scam is full of helpful tips and recommendations, along with our guide on outsmarting online scammers.

A good rule of thumb when it comes to staying safe is to trust your instincts.

So if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

Always step back and think before clicking on a link or sharing any information.