Pensioners are being targeted by a text message inviting them to make an application to claim the Winter Fuel Payment
East Riding of Yorkshire Council Trading Standards Services is advising residents to beware of a Winter Fuel Payment scam. Fraudsters are reportedly targeting vulnerable pensioners with details of a bogus and unnecessary application process.
The council said that pensioners are targeted by a text message inviting them to make an application to claim the Winter Fuel Payment. However, this text contains a link to a fake website.
On the fake website there is an application form which requests personal information, including bank details. The council is now warning residents not to complete the fraudulent application, which is used to get personal information and bank details.
No application forms are involved as part of the Winter Fuel Payment – it is paid automatically. Any message inviting residents to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment, including those that falsely claim to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), are fraudulent.
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Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for communities and public protection, said: “If anyone receives a text message inviting them to claim their Winter Fuel Payment, their best course of action is not to respond to it, to delete the message and block the number. The DWP make these payments automatically and there is no need for residents to fill out application forms.”
What should I do if I have already responded to a fraudulent message?
Trading standards has issued advice to anyone who may have responded to the message. This is as follows:
- End all contact with the sender immediately.
- Contact your bank directly, using a number provided to you by the bank. Alternatively, you can call the secure 159 hotline that can connect you directly to your bank’s customer services team.
- Report the matter to the Police through Action Fraud, on 0300 123 2040, or make an anonymous report online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
- For further help and advice, residents can also contact Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.
- Be aware that you may receive further bogus offers in the future.
There is more information available about the Winter Fuel Payment online. This can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.
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