Pensioners are being warned to look out for Winter Fuel Payment text message scams following a surge in activity from opportunistic criminals ahead of next month's payments
New data from HMRC shows reports of scam texts more than doubled in the last week of September when compared to the previous week.
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These scams – which see fraudsters exploit pensioners by posing as government officials processing Winter Fuel Payment applications – had begun to drop off after a peak in June but are now increasing again ahead of payments being made next month.
This warning comes as the DWP ramps up its social media campaign in partnership with Action Fraud to raise awareness of these scams across Facebook and Twitter/X. This is alongside DWP’s continued work with trusted partners and charities such as Independent Age to ensure accurate and timely information is available.
Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and the government will never ask for bank details by text. Anyone who receives a text message inviting them to apply for a payment should not engage with it and instead forward it to 7726.
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Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:
Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE said:
Jonathan Silvester, HMRC’s Digital Defence Lead, said:
Winter Fuel Payments will automatically be paid into people’s bank accounts with eligible pensioners receiving a letter in October or November saying how much they will receive. Payments will be made between mid-November and December 2025.
Supporting pensioners is a top priority for this Government which is why we are committed to the Triple Lock which means millions of pensioners will see their State Pension rise by up to £1,900.
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On top of this, pensioners on low incomes can apply for further support this winter through Pension Credit – worth £4,300 on average a year. Pensioners with care needs can also apply for Attendance Allowance, worth over £5,740 a year and we will continue to urge anyone who thinks they are eligible to apply.
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