Winter Fuel Payment Scams

Winter Fuel Payment Scams

With the recent announcement by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, confirming that Winter Fuel Payments will be reinstated for this coming winter, fraudsters are wasting no time in exploiting public uncertainty around eligibility and how the payments will be distributed.

There have already been several reports of scam messages claiming individuals are eligible for a grant, directing them to fake websites designed to harvest personal and financial information.

⚠️ What’s Happening?

These scams typically arrive via text message, email, or phone calls, often appearing to come from official government departments or trusted organisations.

Despite further clarification being issued by the government regarding eligibility thresholds, it is expected that these scam campaigns will intensify. See fake one below.

🔒 How to Stay Safe:

To protect yourself and others, follow these essential cybersecurity practices:

Ignore unsolicited messages about Winter Fuel Payments. If you're unsure, visit the official government website directly rather than clicking on any links.

Enable Two-Step Verification (2SV) on important accounts to increase your online security.

Create strong passwords using three random words (e.g. WindowCupTree).

Keep all devices updated by installing the latest security updates and software patches.

Back up your important data to a secure cloud service or external drive.

🧓 Supporting Vulnerable Individuals:

Scammers often target the elderly or those less familiar with digital technology. Please take the time to check in with family, friends, and neighbours who may be more at risk.

🧾 If You Think You’ve Been Targeted:

Do not share personal or financial details in response to unexpected contact.

Report the incident to Action Fraud: www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

If you are concerned about a vulnerable individual, contact the police using 101.

If money has been lost, call your bank immediately using 159, a direct line to your bank’s fraud department.

🔍 Government Statement Reminder:

The government has made it clear that no action is required to receive Winter Fuel Payments. There is no need to register with HMRC or provide any personal details. Visit AGE UK which has an excellent advice page on Winter Fuel Payments

CORRECTION to previous Community Alert Update: Holiday Booking Scams & Payment Methods

Clarification on Payment Methods

I wish to clarify my last advice regarding payment methods, following helpful feedback from a member of the community:

Requests for payment via traditional bank transfer (where you are asked to manually send money using sort code and account number, or via money transfer services like Western Union) remain a significant red flag. These methods can be difficult to trace and often offer little protection if something goes wrong.

However, many reputable travel companies now offer secure payment options using Open Banking. With Open Banking, you authorise the payment directly through your own bank’s secure platform (such as your banking app or website), which includes security checks and consumer protections. This is a legitimate and increasingly common way to pay for goods and services online.

My advice remains:

Be cautious if you are asked to pay by bank transfer, especially if the process does not involve secure authentication through your bank.

Always double-check you are on the genuine website of a trusted company before making any payment, regardless of the method.

Update on Security Tools

I also wish to clarify our previous advice about the website "Have I Been Pwned." This tool allows you to check if your email address has appeared in known data breaches. If your email is flagged, it means your details may have been compromised in the past, and you should change passwords on any accounts using that email—especially if you have reused passwords.

Remember if you are a victim of fraud contact Action Fraud on their website or free phone 0300 123 2040.

If you have lost money from fraud, contact your bank on 159

Visit Get Safe Online for useful helps and tips.

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Message Sent By
Damian Cranny
(Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset)