Staying Safe This Winter: How to Spot and Avoid Scams Around the Winter Fuel Payment

As the colder months approach, many older people are rightly focusing on heating and keeping warm. The Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) is designed to help, but unfortunately, scammers are using it as a hook to exploit vulnerable people. In this post we explain what types of scams are circulating, how to spot them, and what you can do if you (or someone you know) are targeted.

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment from the UK government to help people of pension age with their heating costs during the colder months.

Here are the key points:

• It’s paid to households where someone is of State Pension age (or born on or before a certain qualifying date).

• For the winter of 2025/26, in England and Wales many households will receive £200 or £300, depending on age and circumstances.

• In most cases you do not need to apply. If eligible, the payment is made automatically.

• Be aware: the rules change from time to time (e.g., changes to eligibility thresholds) so it’s worth checking the latest.

There are several reasons scammers are targeting those receiving the Winter Fuel Payment:

• Because the payment is widely publicised and many older people are eligible, the topic is timely and relevant, which makes the approach plausible.

• Many eligible people may be less familiar with online security or more trusting of messages that appear to be from official government sources.

• The message can create urgency (“apply now”, “confirm details”, “you must act”) which pushes people to react without thinking.

• Scammers hope to obtain personal data (bank details, account numbers, passwords) or convince victims to click dangerous links or even transfer money.

  
  

  For example:

• Official figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) showed more than 15,000 reports of Winter Fuel Payment scam activity in June alone, with over 4,600 bogus websites removed.

• One local council noted scam texts that claimed to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) telling pensioners they “haven’t applied” and must click a link.

  
  

How the Scams Work — and What to Watch Out For

Here are common signs of a Winter Fuel Payment-related scam and what tactics fraudsters use:

Typical Scam Tactics

• You receive a text message or email claiming you need to “apply” or “confirm” your Winter Fuel Payment.

• The message often includes a link to a website that looks official (sometimes mimicking “gov.uk”) but is fake.

• The message may claim you must act quickly, or you’ll lose your entitlement. This creates urgency.

• It may ask for bank account details, card numbers, passwords, or ask you to pay a small “processing fee” to unlock the payment.

• It may even ask you to transfer a small amount of money to prove you are genuine.

• Some call you and pretend to be from a government department; others send SMS/WhatsApp.

  
  

Red Flags to Look For

• You’re told you must apply or register now to receive the payment — but you weren’t previously told this and the official website says it’s automatic. (In fact, for most people the payment is automatic)

• The message asks for bank/credit card details, personal passwords, or other sensitive information.

• The web link looks odd: e.g., a non-“*.gov.uk” domain, spelling mistakes, or weird formatting.

• The sender number looks unusual (odd mobile number, international prefix) or the email is from a free account rather than a “gov.uk” address.

• The message plays on fear, urgency or says you’ll lose out if you don’t act.

• You’re asked to pay a fee or transfer money upfront to get your payment.

• You weren’t expecting to receive any message regarding your WFP — you simply qualify and the payment is automatic.

  
  

What the Official Guidance Says

• The official GOV.UK site states: “If you get a message asking for your personal details (for example bank details or passwords) this could be a scam.”

• HMRC’s warning emphasises that they will never contact you via text requesting bank or personal details for this payment.

• Trusted advice from financial organisations also outlines how to spot and report such scams.

  
  

Tips to Protect Yourself (and Others)

• Know the facts: If you qualify for the WFP, remember: in most cases you do not need to apply, it should happen automatically.

• Don’t click links in unsolicited texts or emails about payments you weren’t expecting. Instead go directly to official websites (e.g., GOV.UK) or phone official numbers you trust.

• Never give out your bank account, sort code, card number, PIN, or password in response to an unexpected message.

• Check the sender: Is it from a “gov.uk” email address or just “info@something‐else.com”? Is the mobile number strange or international?

• Be wary of urgency and pressure tactics (“You must act now!”, “Deadline today!”). Legitimate government communications are less likely to use aggressive language.

• If in doubt, call the official department yourself, using a number you find on the official GOV.UK site, rather than using numbers the message provides.

• Report it:

  • If you receive a suspicious text, forward it to 7726 (UK wide).

  • If it’s an email, report it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk (or use the GOV.UK report a scam service).

  • You can also report to Action Fraud (UK’s national reporting centre) by phone or online.

• Help others stay safe: If you know older relatives, friends or neighbours who may be eligible for WFP, talk to them about these scams. Remind them that: “If someone texts you saying you must apply for the winter fuel payment, it’s likely a scam.”

  
  

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you (or someone you support) think you’ve fallen victim to a scam, here’s what you should do:

1. Stop all communication with the scammer immediately (no further messages, calls, etc.).

2. Contact your bank or payment provider as soon as possible. Explain what happened and ask them to freeze any suspicious transactions or accounts.

3. Report the incident to Action Fraud (or the police if it’s urgent) so they can log it and possibly investigate.

4. Change passwords or credentials if you provided any login or card details.

5. Monitor your bank statements and credit report for signs of unauthorised activity.

6. Seek advice: If you’re worried financially or emotionally, talk to a trusted advisor, local citizen advice bureau or to family/friends.

   
   

The Winter Fuel Payment is a genuine and helpful support for many older people in the UK. But with genuine support comes the risk of being targeted by fraudsters who exploit the timing, the vulnerable audience, and the fact that many will expect a payment. By knowing the facts, staying alert to how scammers operate, and supporting others, you can reduce the risk of falling victim.