Cheshire West & Chester Trading Standards has issued a warning about winter fuel scams following reports that pensioners have been targeted with text messages offering to replace the winter fuel allowance with another payment.
The bogus texts direct recipients to a website designed to trick them into handing over their personal details, including bank account information.
One of the hoax messages reads: “When you receive this message, it means you have received a new round of winter heating subsidies approved by the local council. Please fill in the link below in time to receive your subsidy.”
The public is advised to be cautious of any text they receive with similar wording, and not to click on any link they do not recognise or trust.
Councillor Karen Shore, Cheshire West & Chester Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, said: “Watch out for fake text messages claiming to be from the Government, inviting you to apply for a new winter fuel payment.
“This scam has been widely reported across the country. Please be aware that the council will be contacting people they believe to be eligible for any additional payments using their own data. Do not give anyone your personal data after receiving a text message.
“Please also check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives to ensure they are aware of this scam.”
