The DWP is urging people not to engage with scam messages
Pensioners are being urged to be vigilant over winter fuel payment scams, following a surge in referrals ahead of the funds being deposited into people’s bank accounts from next month.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is advising individuals not to engage with fraudulent messages. Data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has shown a 153 per cent increase in scam referrals in the final week of September, compared with the previous week.
Scammers send messages pretending to be government officials processing winter fuel payment applications. These scam communications had started to decrease after peaking in June – but are now on the rise again as payments are due to be made next month.
However, the Government has clarified that winter fuel payments are made automatically, and it will never request bank details via text. Anyone who receives a text message inviting them to apply for a payment should ignore it and forward it to 7726, according to the Government.
The DWP is intensifying its social media campaign in collaboration with Action Fraud to raise awareness of these scams, while also working alongside charities.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stated: “If you get a text message about winter fuel payments, it’s a scam. They will be made automatically so you do not 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.”
McFadden added: “If you receive a suspicious message about winter fuel payments, don’t engage – forward it to 7726 and delete it immediately.”
How are Winter Fuel Payments made?
Winter fuel payments will be automatically deposited into people’s bank accounts, with eligible pensioners receiving a letter in October or November detailing how much they will receive. Payments will be made between mid-November and December 2025.
Pensioners can apply for additional support this winter through pension credit – which is worth an average of £4,300 a year and is available to those on low incomes. Pensioners with care needs can also apply for attendance allowance.
The Government had previously announced plans to limit eligibility for winter fuel payments, but this was later reversed, with payments being reinstated to the vast majority of pensioners who had previously received them.
What should you do if you think you’ve been scammed?
Individuals who believe they may have been scammed should inform their bank and the police as soon as possible.
Rachel Vahey, head of public policy at AJ Bell, stated: “Many pensioners may wonder if there is a requirement to submit new information to the Government because of the changes over the past year, but your payments will be made automatically, and you shouldn’t have to respond to text messages, emails or phone calls to make sure they are paid.”
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