Winter Fuel Payment scams: how to spot scam texts  

Key takeaways

• Fraudsters are targeting pensioners with fake Winter Fuel Payment texts designed to steal personal and banking information.

• Most eligible pensioners receive the payment automatically, so unexpected requests to apply, provide bank details or meet a deadline should raise alarm bells.

• Tips to avoid these scams include avoiding clicking links in unexpected messages or sharing bank details, and reporting suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726.

It was confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions tis year that most eligible pensioners will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically between November and December, with most confirmation letters currently being sent out to customers. 

Since last year, those with an income over £35,000 have had the payment recovered by HMRC, usually through their tax code. Eligible pensioners can expect between £100 and £300, usually paid into the same bank account as their State Pension.  

However, with the Ofgem Energy Price Cap forecast to rise by as much as £469 in January, taking average household energy bills to £2,192 a year¹, scammers appear to be targeting households with a variety of text scams. 

MoneySuperMarket Energy has found several variants of the scam, with messages posing as the Department for Work and Pensions, (DWP) HMRC or other government departments.

Some of the scam texts tell people they have not yet applied for their payment, while others claim customers need to submit their banks details to receive it or they may miss out.  

As part of the phishing scam, victims are warned to act by a certain date, either by replying to the text or clicking a link in the text or email, in an attempt to steal personal and financial information.  

However, most people receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically and do not need to apply, repay or provide any personal or banking information by text or email. 

According to Citizens Advice, more than 7 million UK adults were deceived by a scam in the past year², with HMRC reporting more than 25,000 Winter Fuel Payment scam referrals in the 12 months to April 2026.³

Examples of Winter Fuel Payment Scam Texts

Laura Hinton
Senior Commercial Manager

Always investigate before you click a suspicious link

Winter Fuel Payment scams can be particularly convincing because they arrive at a time when many pensioners are expecting to hear about their payment. Fraudsters create urgency by suggesting people need to apply, provide bank details or act before a deadline.

Most eligible people receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically, so be suspicious of unexpected messages asking you to click a link or provide personal or banking details.

If you're unsure, go directly to GOV.UK rather than following a link in a text or email.

MoneySuperMarket’s top tips to protect yourself from scams 

• Do not click on links in unexpected text messages or emails, especially if the message is about government payments. 

• Remember that most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically. If you’re unsure, check your eligibility on GOV.UK or contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre directly. 

• Do not give out your personal information or financial details in response to a cold caller, unsolicited email, text message or request online. HMRC will never text or email you to ask for bank details or for a Winter Fuel Payment to be repaid. 

• Never give debit or credit card numbers, PIN codes, or other personal information in response to an unsolicited request. A genuine bank or official organisation will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your security codes, banking details, password, or to move money into another account. 

• Keep on top of security updates on your mobile device, laptop or PC. 

• Never let somebody talk you into downloading software to your device or to log on to your computer or tablet remotely. 

• Keep a close eye on your bank and card statements, and if you see any suspicious transactions, contact your bank immediately. 

• Report scams. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and send suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. 

• For more tips to stay safe online, visit MoneySuperMarket’s Broadband guide

_Sources

<sup>1. EDF price cap predications correct as of 1/11/2026 
2. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/millions-stung-by-scams-with-online-shopping-the-top-trap-says-citizens/ 
3. HMRC, April 2026 warning on Winter Fuel Payment scams: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pensioners-urged-to-be-alert-to-winter-fuel-payment-scams</sup>