This surge in scam attempts comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves implemented cuts to winter fuel payments for most recipients. Under the new rules, only pensioners who receive specific types of benefits will qualify for assistance with heating costs.
The government is currently running an awareness campaign to encourage pensioners with a weekly income of less than £218 to apply for a pension loan. However, scammers are taking advantage of the situation by inundating the elderly with fraudulent messages, aiming to obtain their bank details illegally.
Reports from The Independent indicate that the fraudulent messages claim that heating subsidies have been suspended and offer a minimum allowance instead. The scammers instructed recipients to apply by October 23, 2024, promising to transfer 900 euros in three installments by November 1, 2024. The messages also contained a link where victims were asked to provide their personal information.
AGE UK, a charitable organization, has also warned about similar messages circulating, where scammers prompt individuals to update their personal data via a link to supposedly receive heating subsidies in preparation for winter.