Residents across the region are being warned of text message winter fuel payment scams.
The text invites people to apply – but Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, which covers Devon, Somerset, Torbay and Plymouth, says that most eligible people would receive the winter fuel payment automatically and wouldn’t need to apply.
It’s part of a ‘phishing’ scam where criminals attempt to trick people into giving up their personal and financial information.
The scam usually involves fraudsters sending fake text messages or emails, or making phone calls, claiming to be from a government department.
The messages often say the recipient needs to ‘apply’ for a winter fuel payment or that they haven’t submitted their application.
They include a link to a fake government website where you are asked to enter personal details, including bank account information.
You can report suspicious emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk and report text messages by forwarding them for free to 7726.
If you think you’ve lost money in a scam, stop all contact with the scammer and tell your bank immediately. You can call 159 to get through to your bank.
Report the scam to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040.
You can get advice through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service online or by calling 0808 223 1133.
For more information on scams, see the Trading Standards website.
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