Greater Manchester Police  are aware scammers are targeting pensioners with phishing scams. Last week we have had 5 reports. 

Pensioners are being warned to be vigilant against text messages claiming to be from Government departments.

Scam text messages talking about winter heating subsidies, and other support is being sent claiming to be from the Department of Work and Pensions and the Home Office to try to trick unsuspecting recipients into believing they will receive a heating subsidy.

The scam includes a link that directs users to a fake government website designed to gather personal information.

The messages contain links where you may be asked to provide personal details or make a payment.

You should never click on the link, provide any personal details including bank details or make any sort of payment.

You can report scam websites to the National Cyber Security Centre and texts can be forwarded to 7726.

You can also report the scam to Action Fraud.

The Winter Fuel Payment is a benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to assist people of pension age with heating costs. Recently, however, the government announced plans to reduce the number of eligible recipients. It’s estimated that only around 1.5 million pensioners will qualify for the payment this year, a sharp decline from the 11.4 million who received it last year.