A deadline is fast-approaching
13:13, 27 Aug 2025Updated 13:17, 27 Aug 2025
People are being urged to be vigilant(Image: Troels Graugaard/Getty Images)
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has shared a warning initially issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), as people may have money taken from their bank accounts. DWP said last week that people should “beware” ahead of an upcoming deadline.
A scam doing the rounds could see pensioners left out of pocket, and as such people are being urged not to click any links in messages said to be from the DWP. This comes ahead of September 15, the deadline for older people to claim Winter Fuel payment.
Most people who are eligible for the payment will receive it automatically. Eligibility includes being born before September 22, 1959, and living in England or Wales.
DWP guidance says you do not need to claim if you get State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, or Industrial Death Benefit.
Advice further explains that if you are not in receipt of any of the above and you’ve not got the Winter Fuel Payment before, or you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment, you will need to make a claim. But you should take precautions if urged to do so via a text message.
The DWP alert which has been reiterated by HMRC reads: “Beware! Scammers could be trying to steal from you by sending messages about the Winter Fuel Payment and opting out.
“Don’t click or tap any links – check the facts about opting out before the 15 Sep 2025 deadline on the GOV.UK website“. If scammers gain access to your financial details, they may take money from your bank account.