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DWP State Pensioners Issued Major Winter Fuel Warning After '150% Surge'
Scam referrals targeting pensioners increased 153% in late September as criminals exploit automatic winter fuel payments to steal personal and bank details.
- The Department for Work and Pensions warned after HM Revenue and Customs data showed a 153% rise in scam referrals in the final week of September ahead of Winter Fuel Payments next month.
- At the end of last month, fraudulent text messages to state pension recipients more than doubled as scammers posed as officials and targeted older people despite payments being automatic.
- The DWP has teamed up with Action Fraud to raise awareness and urges forwarding suspicious messages to 7726, with Laura Hinton emphasizing, `Staying vigilant is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.`
- Citizens Advice said around 9 million people fell victim to scams last year, and anyone who suspects fraud should tell their bank and the police or call the Independent Age helpline on 0800 319 6789.
- Earlier this year, the Winter Fuel Payment was reinstated after cuts reduced recipients from around 11 million to 1.3 million, and pensioners can also apply for Pension Credit worth over £4,300 annually.
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
62% Center
L 38%
C 62%
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