Trading Standards issue warning about winter fuel scam texts

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Trading Standards officers are advising residents of a winter fuel scam.

Fraudsters are targeting vulnerable pensioners, offering to replace the winter fuel allowance with another payment in a new scam.

Pensioners receive a text message which directs them to a fake website that tricks them into handing over their personal details including bank account details.

One of the hoax messages seen by Council officers reads in full:

“When you receive this message, it means you have received a new round of winter heating subsidies approved by the local council. Please fill in the link below in time to receive your subsidy.  The collection channel will end before November 3, 2024 and we will issue the subsidy to you within 7 days – [webpage link] – Thank you for your support to the UK home office.”

Residents are advised to be cautious of any text they receive with similar wording – and urged not to click on any link they do not recognise or trust.

Councillor Karen Shore, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, said: 

“Watch out for fake text messages claiming to be from the Government, inviting you to apply for a new winter fuel payment.

“This scam has been widely reported across the country.  Please be aware that the Council will be contacting people they believe to be eligible for any additional payments using their own data.  Do not give anyone your personal data after receiving a text message.

“Please also check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives to ensure they are aware of this scam.”

If you think you’ve been scammed, take the following steps:

• If you've already responded to a scam, end all further communication immediately.
• Call your bank directly and cancel any recurring payments – or, for speed and ease, you can call the secure 159 hotline that connects you directly to your bank if you think you might be being scammed.
• Report the scam to the police through Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report a scam anonymously on the Action Fraud website.
• If you want more help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action via the Citizens Advice website, or call its Scams Action helpline on 0808 250 5050.