The UK Government recently decided to apply means testing to winter fuel payments. And consequently, fraudsters are now targeting older people who are 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.”
Lured to a fake webpage
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 they include plausible names such as Living Payment, Annual Living Allowance, and the UK Government Living Allowance.
Sophisticated scams
Age Cymru policy officer Sam Young says: “Sadly, whenever there are major changes to benefits and entitlements, fraudsters will try to take advantage. They’ll target more 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, then block the number to avoid further messages. If you’ve already followed the link and entered personal details, notify your bank immediately and report the message to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”
“Being scammed can leave people feeling embarrassed, unsettled, and unsafe. It can 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 to protect other older people from being targeted.”
UK Government services will sometimes text people with information. However, there are a number of ways to figure out whether a text is genuine or a scam.
How to spot fake communications
Such services, including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (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 government messages will never include language designed to pressure you into disclosing information. For example, phrases like: “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 our webpage on scams and fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or text 7726 to the National Cyber Security Centre.
Our webpage includes advice on pension, phone, doorstep, postal, and investment scams, and includes:
- Never provide personal data such as your full name, address, and date of birth – scammers can use such information to steal your identity.
- Do not allow yourself to be pressured into donating money.
- Never make donations by cash or gift card, or send money through transfer agents.
Action Fraud is the UK’s National Fraud and Cyber Crime reporting centre. It has up-to-date information on current scams and fraud. It is warning savers to stay vigilant and protect their pensions and investments from fraudsters trying to trick people out of their lifetime savings. New data has revealed that £17.7mn was lost to pension fraud last year.
