- New data reveals a 153% rise in scam referrals in the final
week of September, compared to the previous week.
- Recent spike comes ahead of Winter Fuel Payments hitting
pensioners' bank accounts next month.
-
DWP are
increasing efforts to raise public awareness and urge everyone
not to engage with scam messages.
Pensioners are being warned to look out for Winter Fuel Payment
text message scams following a surge in activity from
opportunistic criminals ahead of next month's payments.
New data from HMRC shows reports of
scam texts more than doubled in the last week of September when
compared to the previous week
These scams – which see fraudsters exploit pensioners by posing
as government officials processing Winter Fuel Payment
applications – had begun to drop off after a peak in June but are
now increasing again ahead of payments being made next month.
This warning comes as the DWP ramps up its social
media campaign in partnership with Action Fraud to raise
awareness of these scams across Facebook and Twitter. This is
alongside DWP's continued work
with trusted partners and charities such as Independent Age to
ensure accurate and timely information is available.
Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and the government
will never ask for bank details by text. Anyone who receives a
text message inviting them to apply for a payment should not
engage with it and instead forward it to 7726.
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.
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.
Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE
said:
Scammers are shamefully exploiting the Winter Fuel Payment to
target older people living on low incomes. This entitlement is a
vital lifeline that helps protect those facing financial hardship
during the colder months.
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.
The key message is clear: you do not need to do anything to
receive your Winter Fuel Payment. If you are eligible, it will be
paid automatically.
Jonathan Silvester, HMRC's Digital Defence
Lead, 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'.
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. Payments
will be made between mid-November and December 2025.
Supporting pensioners is a top priority for this Government which
is why we are committed to the Triple Lock which means millions
of pensioners will see their State Pension rise by up to £1,900.
On top of this, pensioners on low incomes can apply for further
support this winter through Pension Credit – worth £4,300 on
average a year. Pensioners with care needs can also apply for
Attendance Allowance, worth over £5,740 a year and we will
continue to urge anyone who thinks they are eligible to apply.
Know the facts:
- Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically: the vast
majority of Winter Fuel Payments will be made automatically and
you do not need to apply or provide personal information via text
or email.
- The DWP
will never ask for bank details via text message.
- Suspicious texts should be forwarded to 7726 which is free of
charge, which helps phone providers block the numbers involved.
Additional information
- The warning comes following a sharp increase in reports of
scam text messages, which have seen a rise of 153% in week
commencing 29 September 2025 compared to 164 reported the
previous week.
- People can report HMRC-related scam and
phishing attempts to HMRC by forwarding
emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, reporting scam phone calls via
GOV.UK, or forwarding suspicious texts to 60599.
- If you have received a Winter Fuel Payment text and are
concerned, you can call the Independent Age free helpline on 0800
319 6789. An advisor will be able to assist you.
- For more information on how to protect yourself from scams,
visit: Avoid and report internet
scams and phishing: Report internet scams and phishing -
GOV.UK
- The data refers to reports of scam text messages claiming to
be from a government official from HMRC.
