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pensioners being warned to be careful winter fuel payment The scams follow a sharp increase in fraudulent messages circulating ahead of the next month’s payment.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) People are being urged not to engage with these fraudulent communications.
This warning comes after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) The data showed that scam referrals increased by 153 percent in the last week of September compared to the previous week.
Fraudsters are sending messages from government officials processing winter fuel payment applications. Although scam communications decreased after the June peak, they are now increasing again as payments approach.
But Government That said Winter Fuel payments are made automatically, and it will never ask for bank details by text. Anyone who receives a text message inviting them to apply for the payment should not engage and should instead forward it to 7726, the government said.
DWP said it is stepping up its social media campaign in partnership with action fraud As well as working with charities to raise awareness of these scams.
Work and Pension Secretary Pat McFadden Said: “If you get a text message about winter fuel payments, it is a scam. They will be made automatically so you don’t need to apply.
“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 any suspicious message regarding winter fuel payments, do not engage – forward it to 7726 and have it removed immediately.”
The Winter Fuel Payment will be automatically paid into people’s bank accounts, with eligible pensioners receiving a letter in October or November telling them how much they will receive. Payments will be made between mid-November and December 2025.
Some pensioners can apply for extra help this winter through Pension Credit – which is worth an average of £4,300 a year and is available to people on low incomes. Pensioners with care needs can also apply for attendance allowance.
The government had previously announced plans to restrict eligibility for winter fuel payments, but this was later withdrawn, with the payments reinstated to most pensioners who had previously received them.
People who believe they have been defrauded should tell their bank and the police.