Winter Fuel Payments Scam

As you may have seen in the news earlier this month, the government have made a major U-turn and have announced this month that more than 75% of pensioners in England and Wales will now be entitled to the winter fuel payment, this does not apply to Scotland and Northern Ireland, where devolved policies are in place. 

 

Pensioners with an income of £35,000 or less will receive the payment automatically this winter. 

 

However, fraudsters are once again targeting vulnerable individuals—particularly pensioners—with convincing scams related to winter fuel payments. 

 

These scammers may contact you by phone, text, or email, claiming to be from HMRC or another official government department. They may offer to “assist” with your winter fuel payment, or say that you need to “update your details” in order to receive it. In reality, this is a ploy to steal your personal information or bank details. 

 

Please remember: 

 

✅ HMRC and government agencies will never ask for your personal or financial information via text message, phone call, or email. 

 

✅ Legitimate payments are made automatically—there is no need to provide any further details to receive them. 

 

✅ If you are unsure about any communication you receive, do not respond, click links, or share any information. 

 

What you should do: 

 

 

Let’s stay alert and help protect ourselves and others from falling victim to these scams. Share this message with friends, family, and neighbours—especially those who may be less familiar with spotting fraud. 

 

Stay safe, informed & protect your information.