Jasmine Birtles
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UK Winter Fuel Payment Changes for 2025—and Why Scammers Are Lining Up
Vicky Parry
12th Jun 2025
What’s changed?
For winter 2025–26, the UK government reversed its earlier decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP). Around 9 million pensioners in England and Wales with annual incomes of £35,000 or less will receive the usual £200–£300, fast-tracked automatically. Higher earners will still get it initially, but may need to repay via HMRC in their tax return.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasised:
“No lower‑income pensioner will miss out”
Meanwhile, Treasury experts warn that restoring these payments will cost around £1.25 billion, likely to be offset later by tax rises or cuts elsewhere in the upcoming autumn Budget.
Why now is prime time for scammers
When any large benefit changes—especially one previously scrapped and now reinstated—it creates confusion and concern. Criminals exploit this unrest every winter. Here’s a breakdown of current scams targeting WFP recipients:
Scam Snapshot: Fake texts and sites
Trend Micro warns of mass phishing campaigns where spoof SMS messages claim you haven’t “applied” yet for your WFP.
These often link to polished fake websites asking for your “bank details to process payment.” Once entered, your money is quickly drained.
A typical scam text reads:
“D.W.P. Notice… you still haven’t handed in your subsidy application for 2024–2025… submit by 30 March 2025”
Warning signs—know them & spread the word
- Urgency: Scammers pressure you with tight deadlines (“only 24 hours left!”).
- Bank details by email: Genuine WFP is automatic—you don’t need to share banking info via email or SMS.
- Suspicious URLs: Look out for non-apex domains (e.g.,
winterpaymentdu.topinstead ofgov.uk) - Poor language or grammar: Government messages tend to be well-written.
- Unexpected messages: If you didn’t receive an official letter in September/October, you’re probably not missing anything.
Real-world scam examples
- “Winter Heating Subsidy Reminder” SMS:
“Since you are eligible to apply, please update your information in the link…” — directs victims to a convincing fake site asking for card data - DWP impersonation phishing:
“Final notice from the Department of Work and Pensions… ensure you receive £300 subsidy by April 1” — one of several repeated scam patterns using fabricated authority
Expert warnings
Baroness Jenny Altmann (former Pensions Minister) described these as “utterly abhorrent,” and warned:
“Some pensioners will be so desperate… they might be less careful.”
Labour MP David Smith added:
“Please do not follow links in messages sent by unknown or odd numbers… the Government does not announce major payments through text messages.”
How to stay safe—your WFP survival toolkit
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| ✅ Expect a GOV.UK letter around Oct/Nov | ❌ Don’t click SMS/email links |
| ✅ Only share bank info if you initiated contact | ❌ Never reply to messages saying you “must apply” |
| ✅ Look for “.gov.uk” domain | ❌ Avoid urgent, fear-driven language |
| ✅ Cross-check with GOV.UK or call DWP | ❌ Don’t call back unknown numbers in spoofed messages |
If something feels off: report it—text to 7726 (UK phishing), call Action Fraud or visit citizensadvice.org.uk. Also, check in with vulnerable loved ones regularly.
Final thoughts
The reinstated Winter Fuel Payment is welcome news during a cost-of-living squeeze. But it’s also a scammers’ golden opportunity. With confusion around means testing and repayment thresholds still fresh, it’s the perfect storm for fraudsters. Awareness, vigilance—and passing this guidance on—can be the difference between a warm winter and a costly mistake.
OH GOD! THAT IS A SIGN OF INFORMATIVE WAR!
THAT IS NOT GOOD!
WE HAVE TO BE REALLY CAREFUL!
KIND REGARDS,
TEODORA
17.6.2025
SOFIA