The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent warning to state pensioners across England about a resurgent and 'horrible' text message scam targeting Winter Fuel Payments.
How the Scam Operates
According to cyber security expert Juliet Moran from TelephoneSystems.Cloud, the fraudulent messages are expected to circulate again as colder weather approaches. The scam involves texts that invite recipients to click a link to apply for their Winter Fuel Payment.
Ms Moran explained the dangers: "Unfortunately when it comes to scams, the elderly are often the ideal target as they're a vulnerable group in society and this scam is no different." Once the link is clicked, victims are prompted to hand over sensitive personal information, potentially leading to significant financial loss.
Official Payment Process and Eligibility
The DWP emphasises a crucial fact for all pensioners: those eligible for Winter Fuel Payments receive it automatically. There is no need to apply for the payment, making any text requesting an application immediately suspicious.
Eligibility for the 2025/26 winter period is based on a person's age and where they lived during the qualifying week of 15 to 21 September 2025.
Regarding the payment's future, Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented: "Targeting Winter Fuel Payments was a tough decision, but the right decision because of the inheritance we had been left by the previous government." She confirmed the government has acted to expand eligibility, meaning over three quarters of pensioners in England and Wales will receive the payment this winter.
Protecting Vulnerable Relatives and Neighbours
Ms Moran has urged the public to help spread awareness. "It's important to spread the word about horrible scams like this which can cause people to lose thousands," she stated.
She advises people with elderly family members or neighbours to make them aware that this message could be circulating and to firmly advise them not to respond to any such texts and to never click on the links provided.
