Fraudsters are primarily targeting potential victims by text, offering help and advice to apply ‘by the deadline’.

However, payment of this benefit is made automatically each year to eligible individuals. There is no need to make an application, and there is no deadline.

Indeed, in Scotland, as of this year, the Winter Fuel Allowance is being replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, paid directly by Social Security Scotland (SSS).

Despite this, pensioners across the UK continue to be targeted by similar scams. In response, the government’s Data Intelligence unit has this week highlighted two mobile ‘phone numbers to look out for.

Anyone receiving an unsolicited text from either of these numbers is urged not to respond, to block if possible, and to alert local agencies such as the Police or the charity Action Fraud:

+63 908 306 9627

+44 744 709 4289

The text will read something like this:

According to DWP records, you have not yet submitted your application for Winter Heating Allowance 2025-2026. To ensure you receive your £300 payment, please complete your application. Failure to submit an application will render you ineligible. Please take action now and complete your application via the link below: https://govuk.winter-fuel.com/uk

Anyone who clicks on the link will be directed to a malicious website, where personal information, such as a national insurance number and bank account details, can be captured. This is known as an authorised push payment or APP scam.

Councillor Lesley McDonald, Chair of the council’s Finance and Corporate Resources committee, said: “Scammers claim to represent official bodies, like energy providers or government departments, and request personal details or bank information under the pretext of processing a Winter Fuel Payment.

“We want to make sure that as many people as possible know that, not only is there no application required for this benefit, but as of this year, those eligible in Scotland will receive a direct payment from SSS, not the DWP.

“In addition, official bodies will never request your password, PIN, or bank card numbers by text, call, or email. “If in any doubt about any correspondence received, especially via unsolicited text, please alert friends and family or contact the relevant organisation.”

The council’s Money Matters Advice Service is a free and confidential service offering free, unbiased advice on a range of benefit and debt issues.