Winter fuel payment scam

Devon and Cornwall Police have issued a neighbourhood alert warning about Winter Fuel Payment fraud or scams targeting pensioners.

This is a type of “phishing” scam where criminals attempt to trick individuals, particularly older and vulnerable people, into giving up their personal and financial information.

The scam typically involves fraudsters sending fake text messages, emails, or making phone calls that claim to be from a government department like the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). 

The messages often state that the recipient needs to “apply” for a Winter Fuel Payment or that they haven’t submitted their application. They include a link to a fake government website where the individual is asked to enter personal details, including bank account information, in order to “claim” the payment.

The key thing to remember is that in the UK, the Winter Fuel Payment for the vast majority of people is automatically paid to eligible individual. The government will never contact anyone by text, email, or phone to ask for bank details or other personal information, in order to “process” a payment.