# Winter fuel payments scam warning for pensioners

By Rachel Vahey — 2025-10-15

Rachel Vahey, head of public policy at AJ Bell, said: “After so many missed out on winter fuel payments last year off the back of Rachel Reeves’ change to the way the payments are means-tested, pensioners will be keen to secure this all-important financial boost to help them keep warm this winter.

“So it’s disheartening to see a huge 153 per cent increase in reported winter fuel payment scams ahead of the payments starting back up again next month.

“Scammers are homing in on people’s natural confusion about how the benefit will re-start this winter.

“Whilst it’s easy to get distracted by all the paperwork and tasks that pile up in daily life, it’s important to be cautious and always double-check any request for your personal details – particularly those claiming to be from Government departments.

“Many pensioners may wonder if there is a requirement to submit new information to the Government because of the changes over the past year, but your payments will be made automatically, and you shouldn’t have to respond to text messages, emails or phone calls to make sure they are paid.

“Be alert to scams and the tricks fraudsters use to catch us all out. Examples include threatening, often automated, voicemails asking for personal information, or suspicious emails and text messages asking for bank details.

“The Government has confirmed winter fuel payments will be made automatically and it will never ask for bank details by text. It has urged pensioners not to engage with any texts they receive and instead forward it to 7726.”

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