No sooner has the Winter Fuel Allowance been re-instated for the majority of pensioners, then some criminals want to take it away. The Government is warning pensioners to stay alert to scam text messages which have increased by over 150%. New data from HMRC shows reports of scam texts more than doubled in the last week of September when compared to the previous week. The scam involves trying to exploit pensioners by posing as government officials processing Winter Fuel payment applications.
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. YOU DO NOT NEED TO APPLY
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.
Please do not become a victim of these criminals and pass on this message to friends and family. Make sure you and they are informed about receipt of this Allowance which can make such a difference to many people.
