Dorset Police have issued a warning about scammers promoting fake ‘Winter Fuel Payments’ on social media.
With temperatures set to plunge over coming days, the scammers claim that people of certain ages can receive £500 or £575 but these payments don’t actually exist.
Police point out that if you’re eligible for the legitimate UK government Winter Fuel Payment, you’ll have received a letter in October or this month stating your payment amount.
They advise people to be cautious of any ads or posts on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms offering ‘winter fuel payments’ as they’re scams designed to steal your personal and financial information.
To spot these scams, police point out:
- The Winter Fuel Payment is administered by the UK government, not private companies
- Legitimate payments come via letter, not unsolicited online offers
- The amounts being advertised (£500, £575) do not match actual payment amounts
If you have any concerns, contact the UK government’s Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Do not provide any information or make payments in response to suspicious online ads.
If you have been a victim of fraud contact Action Fraud and call your bank fraud department on 159.