FRAUD ALERT - WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE

🔥 Winter Heating Allowance Scam 🔥

We are warning residents of Kent to be on high alert for a fraudulent text message claiming to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regarding the Winter Heating Allowance for 2025–2026.

What to watch out for:

· The scam text message may say: “Winter Heating Subsidy Reminder: You are eligible to apply. Please update your information via the link.”

· It may include a fake deadline (example: “apply by 31st July 2025”) to create urgency.

· The link provided often mimics a government website but is not genuine (example: gov.winterpaymentdu.top).

· Victims are asked to enter personal or financial details, which are then used for fraud.

Remember:

· The genuine Winter Fuel Payment is automatically issued to eligible individuals. No application is required in most cases.

· The DWP will never ask you to apply via unofficial links or third-party websites.

· Always check information directly at: www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

If you receive a suspicious text message:

· Do NOT click any links or respond to suspicious text messages

· Report it by forwarding the text message to 7726

· Report scams to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Stay safe!

Emily