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.

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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.

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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.