People are reportedly being targeted by a suspected fraudulent text claiming to offer ‘Winter Heating Allowance’.
The message suggests it is coming from the Department of Work and Pensions with recipients of the text being asked to submit their application for the £300 payment before a deadline.
The text is then followed by a link with a set of instructions below on how to claim the alleged money, suggesting people reply to the message with ‘Y’ to activate the link.
It is being sent from multiple numbers, including +63 908 306 9627 and +44 744 709 4289, with a range of links.
The text reads: “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 before 30 Jul 2025.
“Failure to submit an application by the deadline will render you ineligible for the stipend. Please take action now and complete your application via the link below: (followed by a link).” The Council advise anyone who receives these texts to not click the link.
The message adds: “Please reply Y, then exit the text message and open it again to activate the link, or copy the link to your safari browser and open it.”
Always be aware of scams and if you have received this text or a similar one, please report it to the National Cyber Security Centre at [email protected] or by forwarding it to 7726.
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