Many pensioners have recently reported receiving suspicious text messages claiming to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about Winter Fuel Payments (WFP). These messages are scams, and recipients are warned not to click any links or provide personal details.
How to Identify a Fake DWP Text
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The DWP does not send texts asking you to claim Winter Fuel Payments.
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Genuine WFPs are paid automatically if you’re eligible.
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Scammers exploit confusion over recent rule changes—never respond to unsolicited messages.
According to HMRC, over 4,000 fraudulent websites related to Winter Fuel Payments have already been taken down this year.
For official guidance, visit GOV.UK’s scam reporting page.
How Winter Fuel Payments Actually Work in 2025
1. Who Gets Paid Automatically?
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If you’re over State Pension age and already claiming your State Pension or Pension Credit, you do not need to apply—payment is automatic.
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The only exception is if you’ve never claimed your State Pension but are eligible.
2. New Tax Rule for Higher Earners
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If your annual income exceeds £35,000, you may receive a tax bill for your WFP.
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The government plans to introduce an opt-out system, but details are still pending.
3. What to Do If You Get a Suspicious Text
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Do not click any links.
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Forward the message to 7726 (a free scam-reporting service).
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Check your bank account for unusual activity.
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Report phishing attempts via Action Fraud.
For more on pension scams, read Which?’s guide to avoiding fraud.
Why Are Scammers Targeting Winter Fuel Payments?
Recent changes to WFP rules have caused confusion:
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Pre-2024: Payments were automatic for State Pension recipients.
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2024: Only Pension Credit claimants received WFPs.
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2025 onwards: The system reverted to automatic payments for most pensioners.
Scammers exploit this back-and-forth to trick people into “claiming” payments that require no action.
How to Protect Yourself
✅ Never share personal details via text or email.
✅ Verify messages by calling the DWP directly.
✅ Bookmark official sites like GOV.UK’s WFP page to avoid fake links.
If you’ve already responded to a scam text:
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Contact your bank immediately.
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Monitor credit reports via Experian or CheckMyFile.
Final Advice from Steve Webb
“The DWP will never ask you to claim a Winter Fuel Payment by text. If you’re eligible, it arrives automatically. Stay vigilant—scammers are banking on confusion.”
For ongoing updates, follow BBC Scam Alert News.
