The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent warning to the public about a sophisticated text message scam that is deliberately targeting pensioners. The fraudulent messages, which claim to be an 'important legal notification' regarding the Winter Fuel Payment, are being sent out randomly to thousands of mobile phones.
How the scam operates
The deceitful texts are disguised as a 'Winter Fuel Payment Reminder'. They falsely inform recipients that their application for the 2025-2026 heating allowance is overdue and must be submitted urgently to receive a £300 payment. The message typically sets a tight deadline, often for the same day or the following day, and threatens that applications after this date will not be accepted.
One example of the scam text reads: 'Important Legal Notification: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) - Winter Fuel Payment Reminder. Our records show that you have not submitted your application for the 2025-2026 Winter Fuel Payment. To receive the £300 allowance you must submit your application by...'
Crucially, the text includes a link to a fake website designed to mimic the official UK Government site. However, the web address (URL) is a clear giveaway; one recent attempt used the suspicious link gov.winter-subv.com/dwp.
Official advice and key facts
DWP officials and benefits advisors are urging people to be vigilant. The most critical point to remember is that the Winter Fuel Payment is paid automatically to eligible pensioners. There is absolutely no need to apply for it.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stated: "If you get a text message about Winter Fuel Payments, it's a scam. They will be made automatically, so you do not need to apply. These despicable attempts by criminals to target people are on the rise. We are raising awareness to make it harder for fraudsters to succeed."
The official guidance is clear:
- Do not click on any links in the message.
- Do not provide any personal or financial details.
- If you receive a suspicious text, forward it to 7726 and then delete it immediately.
Impact on vulnerable groups
Charities have expressed serious concern about the scam's impact. Joanna Elson, Chief Executive of Independent Age, highlighted how the fraud preys on the anxieties of older people. "Scammers are shamefully exploiting the Winter Fuel Payment to target older people living on low incomes," she said. "This entitlement is a vital lifeline that helps protect those facing financial hardship during the colder months."
She confirmed that their helpline has received calls from concerned older people who received the fraudulent texts, many of whom were already worried about heating costs this winter.
Eligible pensioners will receive a letter in October or November confirming their payment amount, which ranges from £100 to £300 depending on their age and circumstances. All genuine payments are made automatically into bank accounts between mid-November and December 2025.
The DWP is collaborating with Action Fraud and charities to raise awareness. This action follows a government announcement in June that it had removed 4,600 fake websites linked to the Winter Fuel Payment, demonstrating the scale of the ongoing fraudulent activity.
