Fraudsters taking advantage of worries over changes to winter fuel payments

Following the recent UK Government decision to means test winter fuel payments, fraudsters are now targeting older people worried about how they will pay their fuel bills this winter. 

Age Cymru has had reports of older people receiving texts from fraudsters claiming to be from the UK Government. One text said, “Winter is coming, and we will continue to issue winter heating subsidies to help you survive this cold winter smoothly. Since you are eligible to apply, please update your information in the link after reading the information.”

Another text said “Winter Heating Subsidy Office Benefit Payment Notice: As the weather slowly turns colder recently, we will begin to issue winter heating subsidies to reduce your heating costs. Because the parliament decided to reduce the number of people receiving winter heating subsidy benefits this year, and you have obtained the qualification to apply, if you need to, you can apply through the link. Once the number of applicants is enough, we will stop issuing winter heating subsidy benefits.” 

The texts are often urgent in tone, pressuring the older person to act quickly or risk losing their chance to claim money. 

However the web pages are fake, and the details entered are then used by fraudsters to steal money or personal information from the older person. 

The fake benefits can sound quite convincing and include plausible names such as Living Payment, Annual Living Allowance, and the UK Government Living Allowance. 

Age Cymru policy officer Sam Young says “Sadly, whenever there are major changes to benefits and entitlements fraudsters will try to take advantage and target vulnerable groups such as older people who are worried about paying their fuel bills. 

“If anyone has received a suspicious text claiming to be from the UK Government, do not follow the link or respond in any way. Instead, forward the text to the National Cyber Security Centre on 7726, and then block the number to avoid further messages. 

“If you’ve already followed the link and entered personal details, notify your bank immediately and then report the message to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. 

“Being scammed can leave people feeling embarrassed, unsettled, and unsafe, and have a lasting impact on confidence. But if someone has been scammed, it’s important to reach out and talk to people about what’s happened. These scams are often driven by sophisticated criminal gangs and there will be thousands of others who’ve also been scammed. By reporting a scam, you may have a better chance of getting your money back and you will also help protect other older people from being targeted.”  

How to spot fake communications 

UK Government services will sometimes text people with information. However, there are ways of telling whether a text is genuine or a scam: 

• UK Government services, including the DWP and the HMRC, will never ask for personal or bank details via text or email.
• All genuine UK Government web addresses must end with .gov.uk. A scam text will often leave this out of the address.
• Is the message urgent in tone? Genuine UK Government messages will never include language designed to pressure you into disclosing information.  For example, “If you do not submit an application before 1/1/2025 we will cancel your qualification and reallocate the funds.”
• Check the spelling and grammar as scam texts often contain incorrect spelling or make grammatical errors such as missing capital letters. 

For more information visit www.agecymru.wales/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or text 7726 to the National Cyber Security Centre.