HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent public warning over a sharp increase in scams targeting individuals regarding Winter Fuel Payments.

The alert comes after the department received 15,100 reports of bogus activity in June alone, highlighting a concerted effort by fraudsters to exploit vulnerable people.

Scammers are primarily using SMS messages and sophisticated phishing websites to trick unsuspecting individuals. In response to this surge, HMRC took decisive action last month, successfully dismantling and removing 4,600 fake websites directly linked to these Winter Fuel Payment frauds. HMRC is unequivocally urging the public to remain highly vigilant against any suspicious communications. It stresses a crucial point: eligible individuals receive their Winter Fuel Payments automatically, without ever needing to make a claim or provide personal details. The department will never initiate contact by text message to solicit claims or request sensitive personal information. For pensioners whose total income exceeds £35,000, any recovery of the payment will be handled seamlessly through existing Pay As You Earn (PAYE) or Self Assessment processes, depending on their tax payment method.

Kelly Paterson, HMRC's Chief Security Officer, delivered a strong caution: "Don't be fooled by these attempts by scammers to take your money or access your personal information. Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they're HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard." She added, "If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don't give out private information or reply, and don't download attachments or click on links."

Ms Paterson urged the public to act proactively: "I'm urging people to be alert to scams relating to Winter Fuel Payments and to report any suspicious texts, phone calls or emails to HMRC. Taking action now could help HMRC prevent fraud and protect customers who may have received bogus messages."

For more comprehensive advice on how to stay safe online and protect yourself from various types of fraud, members of the public are encouraged to visit the Home Office's ‘Stop! Think Fraud' website at www.gov.uk/stopthinkfraud.