Kent residents are urged to be vigilant following reports of a sophisticated text message scam falsely claiming to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regarding the Winter Heating Allowance for 2025–2026.
| My Community Voice Kent <alert@neighbourhoodalert.co.uk> has warned the fraudulent messages are designed to trick recipients into divulging personal and financial information. Authorities are warning the public to be aware of the characteristics of these scam texts. |
How the Scam Works
- The scam text messages often include phrases such as: “Winter Heating Subsidy Reminder: You are eligible to apply. Please update your information via the link.”
- Scammers frequently include a fake deadline, such as “apply by 31st July 2025,” to create a false sense of urgency. The links provided in these messages often mimic official government websites but are not genuine (e.g., gov.winterpaymentdu.top). Victims who click on these links are then prompted to enter personal or financial details, which are subsequently used for fraudulent activities.
Key Reminders from the DWP
It is crucial for residents to remember that the genuine Winter Fuel Payment is automatically issued to eligible individuals, and no application is required in most cases. The DWP will never ask you to apply via unofficial links or third-party websites. Always verify information directly through the official government website: www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Text
If you receive a text message that you suspect is a scam:
- Do NOT click any links or respond to the message.
- Report it by forwarding the text message to 7726. This service allows your mobile provider to investigate and block malicious numbers.
- Report all scams to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Staying informed and cautious is the best defence against these fraudulent attempts.