Public warned to stay alert as winter fuel payment scams increase

North East Lincolnshire Council is warning residents to look out for Winter Fuel Payment text message scams.

Texts are beginning to circulate asking people to click a link to complete an application for the Winter Fuel payment so payments can be processed.

Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and the government will never ask for bank details by text. Winter Fuel Payments will automatically be paid into people’s bank accounts between mid-November and December 2025.

People can report HMRC-related scam and phishing attempts to HMRC by forwarding emails to [email protected], reporting scam phone calls via GOV.​UK, or forwarding suspicious texts to 60599.

Individuals who have received a Winter Fuel Payment text and are concerned, can call the Independent Age free helpline on 0800 319 6789. An advisor will be able to assist. The Council are reminding people not to click a link if they believe it to be fraudulent.

More information on how to protect yourself from scams is available on Stop! Think Fraud – How to stay safe from scams.