How to avoid falling for benefit scams

The chances are that you or someone you know has recently received a text message or email urging you to sign up to get this year’s winter fuel payment. The message claims to be from the Department of Work and Pensions and says you won’t receive the benefit unless you register your bank details through the link.

Hopefully you will realise this is a scam. But here’s how you know for sure: this year’s Pension Age Winter Heating Payment for pensioners in Scotland will come from Social Security Scotland, not the DWP. Everyone who is eligible will receive it automatically and you do not have to sign up anywhere.

The texts often sound urgent – warning you that if you don’t act now you will miss out on your winter heating payment. Again, that is not the case.

This year pensioners in Scotland will receive the new devolved benefit – Pension Age Winter Heating Payment – which replaces Winter Fuel Payment, the benefit which was withdrawn last year across the UK but has been reinstated this year, for pensioners in England and Wales.

It's understandable why people might be confused about where the money is coming from, but Social Security Scotland is now the agency responsible for delivering the winter heating payment. Letters confirming the payment will be sent out from November.

The agency is aware of the latest scam and its website has tips for anyone receiving a suspicious text message or email:

• be suspicious of messages asking you to send money or share personal information such as passwords or bank details
• scammers try to create panic by setting a time limit or saying something frightening. Stop and think before giving out information
• don’t follow links in suspicious emails or download files
• check phone numbers and email addresses on the official websites

The Scottish Government website has more information about the annual payment which is currently worth between £101.70 and £305.10. Pensioners with incomes above £35,000 will have the payment taken back through tax, or they can opt out of receiving it in the first place. Anyone choosing to opt out can fill in a form on the Scottish Government website or contact Social Security Scotland by phone or email.   

The Age Scotland free helpline – 0800 12 44 222 - is also available for anyone with questions or concerns.

And our latest guide on Avoiding Scams can be ordered here or by calling our helpline.