URGENT UPDATE: Thousands of pensioners are under threat from a new scam related to the Winter Fuel Payment, as fraudulent messages posing as official notifications flood mobile phones. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that these deceptive texts falsely claim to require urgent action for payments intended to help with heating costs during the 2025-2026 winter season.
These scams, labeled as “important legal notifications,” are instructing recipients to submit applications to receive their Winter Fuel Payment, which ranges from £100 to £300. However, the DWP has clarified that eligible individuals, those born before 22 September 1959, do not need to apply; payments will be made automatically into their bank accounts.
Victims are receiving messages that include alarming deadlines, stating, “To receive the £300 allowance you must submit your application by…” followed by an imminent date. The texts are often accompanied by a link to a fraudulent website designed to replicate the UK Government’s site, with URLs that appear suspicious, such as gov.winter-subv.com/dwp.
DWP officials and benefits advisors are urging recipients not to click on any links or provide personal information. The department is working with Action Fraud to combat this rampant scam and has been posting warnings on social media to raise awareness.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden condemned these scams, stating, “If you get a text message about Winter Fuel Payments, it’s a scam. These despicable attempts by criminals to target people are on the rise. We are raising awareness to make it harder for fraudsters to succeed.” He emphasized that no action is required from eligible pensioners to receive their payment, urging anyone who encounters such messages to forward them to 7726 and delete them immediately.
Joanna Elson, Chief Executive of Independent Age, expressed concern over the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, saying, “Scammers are shamefully exploiting the Winter Fuel Payment to target older people living on low incomes. 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.”
Eligible pensioners will receive a letter by November, detailing the amount they are due. Payments will be issued between mid-November and December 2025. Individuals are advised to stay vigilant, as this scam could have serious consequences for those already facing financial hardship.
The DWP and its partners are committed to providing accurate information to anyone seeking assistance. As the situation develops, it is crucial for the public to remain aware and informed to protect themselves from these fraudulent schemes. Sharing this information widely can help prevent others from falling victim to these scams.
