They are urged never to anser an email or text alleging to be from DWP
Age Scotland has revealed they have been inundated with calls from people confused about scam texts around a winter fuel payment fraud.
HMRC released details that showed a 153% rise in scam referrals in the final week of September compared to the previous week.
Scots are now being told to be wary of any texts that come through and reminded pensioners in Scotland that the payment comes from Social Security Scotland and is automatic, meaning nobody needs to apply.
The messages are sent in an attempt to get older people to enter their bank details and are on the increase ahead of the payments starting in mid-November.
The increase has led to fear some pensioners could be getting scammed and Katherine Crawford, chief executive at Age Scotland, is urging everyone to be aware of the dangers of clicking on links from unknown numbers or email addresses.
She said: “The chances are that you or someone you know has recently received a text message or email appearing to be from DWP urging you to apply or lose out on the winter heating payment this winter.
“Our Helpline has had an unusual spike in calls from older people confused about texts and emails they have received and asking what to do. Our message is very clear; this is a scam and please ignore.
“There is no need to fill in a form sent by text or reply to an email. In Scotland, these messages should set off alarm bells because the payment will be made automatically by Social Security Scotland, so people do not need to apply directly. The DWP does not administrate the payment.
“Scammers are exploiting months of mixed messages about winter support at the time when people are starting to worry about winter bills and for many older people small text on a screen and the promise of help can be enough to trigger a quick tap.
“Clicking on a scam link can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including infecting your phone with a virus, or being redirected to a fake website that tricks the user into entering sensitive information like login credentials, bank details, or personal information.
“Please call our free Helpline 0800 1244 222 for information on the winter heating payment or for advice on scams.”
The Scottish Government’s Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville added: “As we approach the winter months, Social Security Scotland will be giving valuable payments to thousands of people automatically to help them stay warm during colder weather.
“It is important that people remain alert to scam text messages and e-mails. Social Security Scotland will never ask people for personal or financial details by text or e-mail.
“If anyone is unsure if they are eligible or are worried they will not receive a payment they are eligible for, please get in touch with Social Security Scotland directly.”
