The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent nationwide alert to millions of state pensioners concerning a sophisticated text message scam that is currently targeting recipients of the Winter Fuel Payment.
How to Spot the Fraudulent Text
The fraudulent messages, which are being sent from various mobile numbers including +63 908 306 9627 and +44 744 709 4289, falsely claim that the recipient has not yet applied for the "Winter Heating Allowance 2025-2026". The texts threaten that failure to apply by a fake deadline of 30 July 2025 will make the person ineligible for a purported £300 payment.
The message instructs individuals to click on a provided link to complete an application, with some versions bizarrely asking recipients to "reply Y, then exit the text message and open it again to activate the link."
Official Advice: What You Must Do
The DWP has taken to its official X (formerly Twitter) account to state categorically that these communications are a scam. Winter Fuel Payments are automatic, and eligible individuals do not need to apply or take any action to receive them.
Authorities, including West Devon Council, have laid out clear and immediate steps for anyone who receives such a message:
- Do not respond to the scam or click on any links.
- End all communication with the scammer immediately.
- Contact your bank immediately. If you have disclosed any financial information or lost money, call your bank's fraud department without delay.
To connect directly to your bank's fraud department, you can use the 159 hotline in the UK, though it is important to note that most, but not all, telecom providers offer this service.
How to Report the Scam
It is crucial to report these fraudulent attempts to the relevant authorities to help combat this crime. You can take the following actions:
- Forward suspicious text messages for free to 7726.
- Send phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their official website.
- You can also report the scam online at the official government campaign site: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk.
North East Lincolnshire Council and other local authorities are reinforcing the DWP's message, urging the public to remain vigilant and to spread the word to friends and family who might be vulnerable to this convincing fraud.
