Watch out for Winter Fuel Payment Text Scams
Watch out for Winter Fuel Payment scams
Many people are currently receiving text messages PRETENDING to be from the Government or HMRC, telling you it’s time to apply for your Winter Fuel Payment. These are scams.
Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible. And so don’t have to do anything.
A few people may need to apply, full details here on the government’s site,
You will not be sent any kind of text.
If you’re worried or unsure if a message is real, DO NOT RESPOND.
Instead visit the official Winter Fuel Payment page on GOV.UK for more information.
What do the scams say?
The text scams say that they are:
- From Department of Work and Pensions, or HMRC, or the Government.
- They say that you have not yet applied for your Winter Fuel Payment.
- They say that you need to apply by a certain (very soon date) to receive your £300. (Making you feel pressurised, another key scammer tactic).
- They often also ask you to ‘reply with a Y and copy this message into your browser’, and likely ask for your details.
What to do – and not do:
- Do not click on any links
- Delete the message and block it
- Never give any personal or bank details
Stopping scams
HMRC is working hard to stop such scams. They are concerned about the many emails and texts being sent, and are working to stop scammers, and have already shut down many fake sites.
To help you can:
- Forward the text to 7726 – this is a free service which reports scams, helping others.
- If you receive a scam email, you can email it to [email protected]
- And you can also report to the government, on the GOV.UK suspicious emails and scams page
If you are a carer, please tell other carers. Carers are particularly vulnerable to scams as they are so often under time pressure, as well as having low incomes. But please also tell others, friends, family and neighbours.