Overview

• Fraudsters are sending convincing messages about a £200–£300 Winter Fuel Payment, directing recipients to fake websites to harvest personal and financial data.
• Scam texts are spoofing names such as the Department for Work and Pensions, a non‑existent Department of Pensions and a fictitious Department of Energy, with some messages sent from overseas numbers.
• The DWP says it will not request bank details by text or email and advises forwarding suspicious messages to 7726 for checking.
• Most eligible pensioners will be paid automatically in November and December, with letters issued beforehand confirming the amount and payment details.
• Those who need to claim must use official channels, with paper forms available from September 15, phone claims from October 13 and a final deadline of March 31, 2026.