Warning over 'scam' text after DWP Winter Fuel Payment rule changes

A warning has been issued over a scam text message that claims to be giving out winter fuel payments.

On X, formerly Twitter, MoneySavingExpert (MSE) posted images of a scam text message that has started doing the rounds following the government's decision to means-test the winter fuel payment, meaning thousands of pensioners will not receive it this year.

The Winter Fuel Payment is paid by the Department of Work and Pensions and is worth up to £300 to those eligible to receive it. This year, the government changed the rules so that only people claiming a qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit, would be given the money.

READ MORE: DWP winter fuel payment update as trade union threatens legal action

MSE is now warning that scammers are exploiting the rule change by sending out text message asking people to apply for a payment by clicking a link.

On X, MSE posted images of the messages and wrote alongside them: Scam warning. If you receive a text like these, IGNORE IT. Criminals are targeting people with them about fake winter grants and schemes. You can report scam texts to your provider by forwarding them to 7726. Please do spread the word to help people from getting caught out."

One of the texts reads: "Winter Heating Subsidy Office Benefit Payment Notice: As the weather slowly turns colder recently, we will begin to issue winter heating subsidies to reduce your heating costs. Because the parliament decided to reduce the number of winter heating subsidy benefits this year, and you have obtained the qualification to apply, if you need to, you can apply through the link."

The message goes onto to say that "once the number of applicants is enough, we will stop issuing winter heating subsidy benefits".

Another similar message tells recipients that "there will be no age limit for this benefit, nor will it affect your receipt of other benefits". It also encourages people to click on a link to apply for a "winter heating subsidy".

A number of people said they had already received the text and reported it. One person commented: "Already reported 2 I had Thursday, came about 3 mins apart, easily spotted as the wording was sooo bad." Another said: "Both my husband and I received them. Deleted it and marked as spam."

A third added: "I got similar last week, blocked & reported as spam. Is there anything these scammers don't exploit?"

The government website explains what the winter fuel payment is and who is eligible for it. Information on the official site reads: "If you were born before 23 September 1958 you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits."

It adds: "If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get."