State pensioners have been warned to be on “high alert” after a sharp rise in scam texts and emails falsely claiming to offer winter fuel payments.
According to experts at MoneySuperMarket, fraudsters have been exploiting confusion around the benefit, which was reinstated earlier this year for millions more after briefly being cut back to a means-tested scheme. The change saw eligibility jump from 1.3 million people back to around nine million, creating an opportunity for scammers to target pensioners unsure about the process.
Recent reports highlight bogus messages claiming to be from the Department for Work and Pensions, a fictitious “Department of Pensions”, and even a made-up “Department of Energy”.
Victims are told they must register by a certain date to receive their payment, with links directing them to fake websites designed to steal bank details and other personal information.
In reality, most people receive the winter fuel payment automatically and do not need to apply or hand over financial details.
Laura Hinton from MoneySuperMarket Energy said: “We’re urging everyone to be on high alert for scams targeting energy bill support this winter.
“Fraudsters are exploiting any uncertainty around how people will receive help with their energy costs, and we’re seeing a particular focus on Winter Fuel Payments – which may put older people at greater risk.”
She added: “It’s important to remember that anyone can be targeted. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, and their emails and texts can look very convincing at first glance.
“As we head into the colder months, we expect a rise in scam messages about energy bills. Our advice is simple: always double-check the source before clicking on any links in emails or texts, and if in doubt, don’t engage. Staying vigilant is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
MoneySuperMarket has shared a series of tips to help people protect themselves from criminals:
- Do not click on links in unexpected text messages or emails, especially if the message is about Government payments.
- Do not provide personal information or financial details in response to a cold call, unsolicited email, text message, or online request.
- Never give debit or credit card numbers, PIN codes, or other personal information in response to a cold call, unsolicited email, text, or online request. A genuine bank or official organisation will never contact you unsolicited and ask for your security codes, banking details, password, or to move money into another account.
- Keep on top of security updates on your mobile device, laptop or PC.
- Never let somebody talk you into downloading software for your device or logging on to your computer or tablet remotely.
- Keep a close eye on your bank and card statements, and if you see any suspicious transactions, contact your bank immediately.
