Residents warned of Winter Fuel Payment text scam
Residents are being warned to be on the lookout for fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The messages urge people to apply for their winter fuel or energy allowance through a link that leads to a fake website designed to steal personal and banking details.
Please do not click on the link contained within the fraudulent message and report it to the Police through Action Fraud, on 0300 123 2040, or make an anonymous report online https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/.
Winter Fuel Payments are paid automatically, with no application forms involved for residents. Any message inviting residents to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment, including those that falsely claim to be from the DWP, are fraudulent.
Residents can find more information about the Winter Fuel Payment online at https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.