DWP urgent warning: Pensioners applying for Winter Fuel Payments targeted with ‘scam text messages’

Pensioners are being urgently warned about scammers targeting those claiming Winter Fuel Payment and Pension Credit. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an alert about criminals attempting to steal personal and financial details through fraudulent text messages.

The warning comes as cyber criminals try to exploit the ongoing cost of living crisis and the approaching deadline for Pension Credit applications. The DWP is urging benefit recipients to be vigilant against suspicious text messages claiming to be from the department.

In posts on social media platform X and Facebook, the Government department told older Britons: “Be aware of scam text messages claiming to be from @dwpgovuk.

“Always be careful about links and never share personal or financial details, only engage with trusted official sources.” The warning is particularly timely as pensioners face a weekend deadline for Pension Credit applications, which will give them access to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Scammers may be attempting to capitalise on this deadline by targeting vulnerable benefit recipients. Anyone who receives a suspicious text is advised to report it by visiting gov.uk and searching ‘avoid and report internet scams and phishing’.

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The Government website warns that some communications may appear to be from official services when they are not legitimate. “Some websites, emails or phone numbers look like they’re part of an official government service when they’re not, or claim to help more than they actually do,” states the guidance.

People are advised not to give out private information, reply to texts, download attachments or click on links if they are unsure of their authenticity. Minister for Pensions Emma Reynolds MP has urged pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit.

“We are re pleased to see more pensioners are now receiving Pension Credit and our staff are processing claims as quickly as possible,” Reynolds shared last month.

“With the December 21 approaching, my message is clear: check if you are eligible for Pension Credit and if you are then apply, as it unlocks a range of benefits including the Winter Fuel Payment.”

The DWP estimates that 760,000 pensioner households are eligible for pension credit but do not claim it. Recent figures show an additional 42,500 pensioners are now receiving Pension Credit since July.

Furthermore, the Government department reports that the average number of Pension Credit claims per week has more than doubled during this period. This increase comes as the government continues its push to encourage eligible pensioners to apply for the benefit.

A dedicated phone line has been set up for first-time claimants, operating between 8am and 3.15pm today on 0800 99 1234. The phone line for first-time Pension Credit claims is available today until 3.15pm on 0800 99 1234.

Successful claimants will gain access to the Winter Fuel Payment alongside other benefits. The DWP continues to process applications as quickly as possible ahead of the December 21 deadline.

Pensioners are reminded to only use official channels when applying and to remain vigilant against scam attempts. Those unsure about their eligibility are encouraged to check through official government sources rather than responding to unsolicited messages.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s decision to means-test the up to £300 in energy bill support provided by the Winter Fuel Allowance has been widely criticised by pensioner groups and charities.

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Dr Carole Easton OBE, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “We know that the Winter Fuel Payment system was only ever a sticky plaster solution for our poor-quality housing crisis.

“It offered respite but not a solution to the fact that less than half of homes headed by someone aged 75 and over are energy efficient – rated within EPC bands A to C. But, the Government has created an avoidable crisis.

“Now they must respond by increasing the ambition of their long-term solution, and the speed of its delivery. We need a national strategy to fix cold and dangerous homes across all tenures.

“This would not only help save people money on their energy bills but significantly reduce pressures on the NHS by limiting the damage poor quality homes do to their occupants’ health.”