Warning – scam text messages targeting pensioners

We have been made aware of a new scam text message being sent out to people to claim a new living allowance to replace the Winter Fuel Allowance.

The message claims to come from the Government and states that they will be paying out living allowances instead of the winter fuel allowance. It asks the person receiving the text to then click on an attached link to update their details and claim the allowance.

If you receive this text, please do not click on the link or respond to the message – it is a scam and you may end up being hacked and losing money.

Please share this message with any older people in your life, such as family or neighbours, and warn them not to click on any links like this.

The Government, or the Council, do not send out text messages asking people to click on links to make a claim for anything. These types of messages are never official or legitimate.

Links can contain something called malware that could infect your phone or device and lead to scammers doing further damage. If you have accidentally clicked this link or a similar link, or made a payment, please contact your bank directly.

If you have concerns you can also report incidents to Action Fraud who can also provide advice: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

If you are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you will be paid automatically, or through being accepted for a new claim for Pension Credit which then makes you eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.