Pensioners in Gedling borough are being warned to be on the alert with Winter Fuel Payment scams on the rise as the cold snap bites.
Scambusters Action Fraud say they have received 2,790 crime reports relating to Winter Fuel Payment scams in the UK, with victims across the UK reporting losses totalling over £27,000.
Between April and September 2025, Action Fraud has received 2,790 crime reports relating to Winter Fuel Payment scams, with victims reporting losses totalling over £27,000.
A spokesman said: “Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, you do not need to do anything. If you receive any text messages about Winter Fuel Payments, it’s a scam
“Not sure if a message is real? Contact the organisation directly using the contact details on their official website, not the number or web address in the message.
“Your bank – or any other official source – won’t ask you to supply personal information by email or text message. “
Those who receive a suspicious SMS or RCS message, you can report it for free by forwarding it to 7726.
If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040, or call Police on 101.
