HMRC has issued a warning to be on high alert for scams linked to Winter Fuel
Payments after receiving 15,100 reports of bogus activity in June.
Fraudsters have been targeting vulnerable individuals using SMS messages and
phishing websites. During June, HMRC took action to remove 4,600 fake websites
linked to Winter Fuel Payments.
HMRC is urging individuals to be alert to suspicious communications and to report
any suspect phone calls, emails or texts via GOV.UK. HMRC will never contact
people by text to claim Winter Fuel Payments or request personal information.
Anyone who is eligible for Winter Fuel Payments will receive the payments
automatically without having to make a claim. Any recovery of the payment for
pensioners whose total income is over £35,000 will be collected via Pay As You
Earn (PAYE) or self assessment, dependent on how the individual pays tax on
their income.
Kelly Paterson, HMRC's Chief Security Officer, said:
'Don't be fooled by these attempts by scammers to take your money or access
your personal information.
'Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they're HMRC,
wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on
your guard. If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected,
don't give out private information or reply, and don't download attachments
or click on links.
'I'm urging people to be alert to scams relating to Winter Fuel Payments and
to report any suspicious texts, phone calls or emails to HMRC.'
Internet link: HMRC