Overview

• Fraudsters are impersonating DWP staff and demanding bogus fees or personal information under the guise of Winter Fuel Payment applications.
• The Department for Work and Pensions confirms that all eligible pensioners will receive their Winter Fuel Payments automatically without any application or charge.
• Hampshire police advise ignoring calls and texts from unfamiliar numbers and warn recipients not to share personal or financial details.
• Pensioners who receive scam messages should forward them to 7726 and contact their bank on 159 if they have disclosed sensitive data.
• Anyone who falls victim can report the fraud to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or using the online reporting portal.