Scots warned over scam text messages offering help with heating bills

Scots are being targeted by scam text messages claiming they are missing out on help with their heating bills, according to a leading charity.

Advice Direct Scotland said anyone receiving such a message should delete it and report it to them, with the fake texts previously circulating in England and Wales.

They say scammers are now targeting people in Scotland.

The messages, which claim to come from the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), urge recipients to apply for the “Winter Heating Allowance” through a fake website.

One such scam message reads, “According to DWP records, you have not yet submitted your application for Winter Heating Allowance 2025-2026.”

Scots are being targeted by scam text messages claiming that they are about to miss out on help with their heating bills, according to a leading charity. Supplied

It adds that people will only receive the £300 payment if they complete their application soon, giving a false deadline.

It is thought that the scam originated in the wake of the UK Government’s announcement in June about the Winter Fuel Payment, a benefit that applies in England and Wales.

In Scotland, the separate Winter Heating Payment is administered by Social Security Scotland, and no application is required. Payments are made automatically to those who are eligible.

Advice Direct Scotland is warning that links included in the messages may lead to fake websites designed to steal people’s personal and financial details.

The charity is urging people to spread the word about the scam, particularly if they have older friends or relatives who may be more vulnerable to fraudsters.

It comes after figures from Advice Direct Scotland in June showed digital scams have surged by over 1,000% since 2021, with reported losses totalling £861,384 in the past year.

Cases include romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, phishing emails with fake deals, and false social media adverts pressuring victims to hand over money, bank details or personal information.

Hazel Knowles, consumer project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “These scam messages are highly convincing and may target vulnerable people, particularly older citizens who might be expecting legitimate support.

“It’s important to remember that the genuine Winter Heating Payment in Scotland is automatic if you are eligible, and there is no application process.

“You will automatically receive a single payment between December and February, and you will get an email from Social Security Scotland informing you when it’s coming.

“Anyone who receives a suspicious text message should avoid clicking on links, never share personal or banking details, and report the scam immediately.

“If you are unsure about any message or wish to report a scam, our consumeradvice.scot team is here to help.

“You can contact our expert advisers on 0808 164 6000 and they will be happy to assist you.”