Stay Alert: Winter Fuel Payment Scams Surge Ahead of Payouts

There’s been a sharp rise in fake texts and messages targeting older people about Winter Fuel Payments. Here’s what to know — and how to spread the word safely.

24 October 2025

At a glance

• Scam referrals jumped 153% in late September as criminals impersonate government departments ahead of payment dates.
• Genuine Winter Fuel Payments are automatic for most eligible people — you do not need to apply by text or share bank details.
• Report suspicious texts by forwarding to 7726 and phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.

What’s happening?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned pensioners and their families about a surge in Winter Fuel Payment scam messages. Data show a 153% week-on-week increase in scam referrals at the end of September as fraudsters try to cash in before payments land.

How the scam works

Common tactics

• Texts or emails saying you must “apply”, “confirm” or “update” details to receive your Winter Fuel Payment.
• Links to convincing fake websites that mimic GOV.UK pages.
• Threats that you’ll “miss out” unless you act immediately.

What’s genuine

• Eligible pensioners usually receive payments automatically into their bank accounts.
• Government departments do not ask for bank details by text message.
• Official correspondence arrives by letter (not via unexpected links).

How to spot a fake

• It asks you to click a link or share personal/banking details to “claim” the payment — that’s a scam.
• It uses pressure lines like “act now or lose your payment”.
• The sender address/number looks odd, or the web link isn’t a genuine gov.uk address.

What to do if you get a suspicious message

1. Do not click links or reply.
2. Report texts by forwarding to 7726 (free). {index=6}
3. Report phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
4. If you clicked a link or gave details, contact your bank immediately and you can also call 159 to reach your bank securely.
5. Report to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

For VCSE groups: quick ways to help

• Share a simple message across your channels: “Winter Fuel Payments are automatic — never reply to texts asking for bank details.”
• Run a short safety briefing at coffee mornings, lunch clubs or drop-ins.
• Offer to check suspicious messages with the person, not for them, to build confidence.
• Print and pin a poster with the reporting steps (7726, report@phishing.gov.uk, Action Fraud).

Bottom line: If you’re eligible, your Winter Fuel Payment will be paid without you having to click any links, apply by text or share bank details. When in doubt, bin the message and report it.

Read the official DWP press release

Sources

• GOV.UK — Pensioners warned to stay alert as Winter Fuel Payment scams surge by over 150% (Press release, 15 Oct 2025).
• MoneyHelper — Scams warning: Winter Fuel Payment (updated 25 Sep 2025). {index=13}
• Devon County (Trading Standards guidance on reporting scams) — 7726, report@phishing.gov.uk, call 159 & Action Fraud.
• West Devon Borough Council — Action Fraud contact details.