Millions of pensioners are being cautioned to stay vigilant against scams related to Winter Fuel Payments after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reported 15,100 instances of fraudulent activity in June. Scammers have been preying on the vulnerable through deceptive texts and phishing websites.
Last month, HMRC shut down 4,600 counterfeit websites associated with Winter Fuel Payments. The tax authority is encouraging the public to be wary of dubious communications and to report any suspicious phone calls, emails or texts via GOV.UK here.
HMRC has clarified that it will never text people to offer Winter Fuel Payments or solicit personal details. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) similarly reiterated this sentiment following the announcement that around nine million pensioners will receive between £100 and £300 later this year.
According to HMRC, those who qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment will automatically receive the funds without needing to apply. The Daily Record also reports that any recovery of the payment for pensioners whose total income is over £35,000 will be collected via PAYE or self-assessment.
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.”
Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and live in England or Wales. However, you will not be eligible if any of the following apply:
- You live outside England and Wales
- You were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
- You need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
- You were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025
You may also get the Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home. However, you will not be eligible if both of the following apply:
- You get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- You lived in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlier
DWP guidance explains: “You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible. If you do not get a letter but think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.
“The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 15 to 21 September 2025. This is called the ‘qualifying week’. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.”
For more information, head to the Government’s website.
