Pensioners warned about Winter Fuel Payment scam
A new text scam offering to replace the Winter Fuel Allowance is targeting pensioners.
It claims a new living allowance will be paid out, to replace the Winter Fuel Allowance, and asks victims to update their details to claim.
The message is a SCAM!!
The Government, or local authorities, say they do not send out text messages asking people to click on links to make a claim for anything.
If you receive a text message, email, or phone call that you haven’t requested, do not give your personal information as these may be fake. Don’t give out private information such as bank details or passwords), reply to text messages, download attachments, or click on any links in emails if you’re not sure if they’re genuine.
Most people eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment will be paid automatically.
What to do if you click on a fake link?
If you have accidentally clicked on a scam link, or made a payment, you should contact your bank directly.
What to do if you think you have received a scam message
Report suspicious websites, emails, phone numbers or phone calls to Action Fraud, the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre. If reporting a scam to them online you will be given the option to report as a guest, or register with your name and email, which allows you to track progress and receive updates. You can also call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm.
DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) warning
The Winter Fuel Allowance text scam is just the latest in a series of benefit-related scams that has led the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) to publish a warning through its social media channels.
It warns: “Always be careful about links and never share personal or financial details. Only engage with trusted official sources.”
The official Government website is www.gov.uk
You can report suspicious messages to Action Fraud.
How to report a scam text message
You can forward suspicious text messages to 7726 free of charge. This code enables your provider to investigate the origin of the text and take action, if found to be malicious.
More information on phishing scams is available at the National Cyber Security Centre. You can also take a screenshot or screen recording of the text message and send it to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk
Be on the lookout for fake Universal Credit app
North Wales Police and some councils are warning of a fake Universal Credit app that has been created on some of the mobile app stores.
The app claims to let users manage their accounts, as well as scam text messages.
The DWP says it has not created an app, so this app is not official and may not be secure.
Please only use the official Government DWP Universal Credit website to receive or log information.
If you have downloaded this app, uninstall it and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 20 40