The payment was reinstated for millions of pensioners earlier this year
Personal finance experts have issued a fresh warning following a series of text and email scams related to the Winter Fuel Payment. Earlier this year, the Winter Fuel Payment was reinstated for millions of pensioners after it had previously been changed to a means-tested benefit, which cut the number of recipients from around 11 million to just 1.3 million.
Experts are cautioning that fraudsters are attempting to exploit confusion surrounding the benefit and the process for receiving payments. MoneySuperMarket Energy has discovered several versions of the scam, with text messages claiming to be from the Department for Work and Pensions, non-existent Department of Pensions – or the fictitious ‘Department of Energy’.
In this phishing scam, victims are informed they are eligible for a payment but must register by a certain date either by text or clicking a link within the text or email. The link leads to a counterfeit website designed to pilfer personal and financial information.
However, most people receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically and do not need to make a claim or provide any personal or banking information.
Citizens Advice has reported that approximately 9 million people were scammed financially in 2024, reports the Express.
Laura Hinton from MoneySuperMarket Energy warned: “We’re urging everyone to be on high alert for scams targeting energy bill support this winter. Fraudsters are exploiting any uncertainty around how people will receive help with their energy costs, and we’re seeing a particular focus on Winter Fuel Payments – which may put older people at greater risk.”
She continued: “But it’s important to remember that anyone can be targeted. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, and their emails and texts can look very convincing at first glance. As we head into the colder months, we expect a rise in scam messages about energy bills. Our advice is simple: always double-check the source before clicking on any links in emails or texts, and if in doubt, don’t engage. Staying vigilant is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
MoneySuperMarket’s Tips to Protect Yourself from Scammers
- Do not click on links in unexpected text messages or emails, especially if the message is about government payments.
- Do not give out your personal information or financial details in response to a colder caller, unsolicited email, text message or request online.
- Never give debit or credit card numbers, PIN codes, or other personal information in response to a cold caller, unsolicited email, text or online request. A genuine bank or official organisation will never contact you unsolicited and ask you for your security codes, banking details, password, or to move money into another account.
- Keep on top of security updates on your mobile device, laptop or PC.
- Never let somebody talk you into downloading software to your device or to log on to your computer or tablet remotely.
- Keep a close eye on your bank and card statements, and if you see any suspicious transactions, contact your bank immediately.
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
