Scammers already targeting pensioners over winter fuel payments
Phishing attacks are already being sent to pensioners purporting to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). What’s going on and how can you avoid becoming a victim?
Last week we reported on the government’s announcement on winter fuel payments for 2025/26. According to a report by the ICAEW, it appears that scammers began targeting pensioners almost immediately. The winter fuel payment will be paid to state pension recipients and is worth £200 per household, or £300 if you’re over 80. In an attempt to defraud state pensioners, criminals are sending a text message that claims to be from the DWP. The recipient is asked to click on a link by a specified date to apply for an energy support grant. It comes with a warning that they will lose out if they do not apply in time. As the government has confirmed that the winter fuel payments will be made automatically, any attempt to get you to apply for it should be ignored. No application process exists, and no action needs to be taken.
Related Topics
-
How long does a capital loss last?
You’ve made a large capital gain from a recent sale. Capital losses can reduce the amount on which you have to pay tax but the losses you have date back decades and weren’t reported to HMRC. Is it too late to claim tax relief for them?
-
Salary transparency on recruitment
A pay transparency survey has revealed that 70% of employers intend to share salary ranges with external candidates during recruitment ahead of the EU Pay Transparency Directive coming into force. Will this become a legal requirement?
-
HMRC has recently expanded the scope of taxpayers who can arrange a payment plan online. What are the new parameters and conditions?
HMRC has recently expanded the scope of taxpayers who can arrange a payment plan online. What are the new parameters and conditions?