With colder days on the horizon, many pensioners will soon receive their Winter Fuel Payment, a vital support when heating bills start to rise.
But as that help rolls out, fraudsters are ramping up efforts to exploit it.
📈 Scam referrals have jumped by a staggering 153% in the last week of September compared to the week before.
🔍 The Scam Surge
These scams typically arrive by SMS or text message, with fraudsters posing as government or tax officials claiming you need to “apply” or “confirm your details” to receive payment.
They often include a link prompting you to enter personal data or bank details — or even make a payment upfront.
👉 Key point: You never have to apply or confirm anything.
Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically to those eligible.
These messages had been trending down after peaking in June, but they’re now on the rise again — just as payments are due to land in bank accounts next month. The timing is no coincidence.
🗣️ Official Warnings & Advice
Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary, 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.”
Jonathan Silvester, HMRC’s Digital Defence Lead, added:
Don’t let anyone rush you. If someone pressures you to act immediately, it’s a red flag. Never give personal or financial details or click on suspicious links or attachments.
Independent Age, the charity supporting older people, also warned that scammers are targeting those already anxious about bills — using fear and urgency to trick people out of money that’s rightfully theirs.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself (and Others)
✅ Don’t respond to texts asking you to “apply” or “confirm” anything.
✅ Never share bank or personal details by text — the government will never ask you to.
✅ Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (this helps block scam numbers).
✅ Delete the message and avoid clicking any links or attachments.
✅ Report HMRC-style scams:
• Emails → phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
• Calls or texts → via GOV.UK
✅ Unsure about eligibility? Check the official government website. Payments are automatic and confirmed by letter in October or November.
💬 Final Thought
Each time the government offers new financial support, scammers see an opportunity. The Winter Fuel Payment is no exception.
With scam texts on the rise, it’s more important than ever to stay alert, understand how the genuine system works, and share this warning with friends and family.
No one should lose money to a scam disguised as help.
Let us know if this article ‘Beware Winter Fuel Payment Scams’ has been useful and if you want more posts like these.
Further Govt advice can be found on this press release: