State pensioners are being urged not to interact with scam text messages about the Winter Fuel Payment text messages. The Department for Work and Pensions, or DWP, has issued a warning after a recent surge in activity from fraudsters.
Scams are rising again as payments are scheduled to be made across November. Elderly charity Independent Age warns: "Our helpline has received calls from older people who have been sent these fraudulent messages.
"Many of them are already anxious about being able to afford to heat their homes this winter, and these scam texts may wrongly lead them to believe they must take action to receive their payment."
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Labour Party Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, the new DWP boss, has also spoken out.
He said: "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.
"If you receive a suspicious message about Winter Fuel Payments, don’t engage – forward it to 7726 and delete it immediately."
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.
The payments to support pensioners with their fuel bills will be made between mid-November and early December.
HMRC’s Digital Defence Lead, Jonathan Silvester, said: "Scammers target individuals by attempting to take your money or access your personal information. I’m urging you to stay alert to their pressure tactics.
"Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you relating to Winter Fuel Payments, 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.
"You can report any suspicious HMRC-related activity on GOV.UK, just search ‘report an HMRC scam’."
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