Police issue alert after winter fuel scam emails and texts reported

Devon and Cornwall Police are urging residents to be alert to a seasonal scam in which fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal and financial details.

Known as the “winter fuel scam,” it involves people being contacted by text, email or phone and told to apply for a winter fuel payment or warned that they have not yet done so. Victims are then directed to a fake government website to ‘claim’ their payment and asked to provide sensitive personal and bank information.

Cyber Protect Officer Mick Harrison said: “The key thing to remember is that in the UK, those who are eligible for a winter fuel payment will automatically receive it. The government will never contact you by text, email or phone to ask for your bank details or other personal information, in order to ‘process’ the payment.

“We’ve seen that fraudsters tend to target elderly and vulnerable people. So please, if you know someone who could be a potential target for this type of scam – please make them aware so they can protect themselves and their money.”

What to do if you’ve been targeted

• Contact your bank immediately if you have shared financial information or lost money. Call 159 to be connected directly to your bank’s fraud department (most providers support this service).

• Report the scam to police on 101 or through the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

• Victims can also contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via its website.

How to stay safe

• Winter fuel payments are sent automatically to those eligible. You do not need to apply or provide details.

• Never share bank details, PINs or passwords by phone, text or email.

• Do not click links in suspicious messages; they lead to fraudulent websites.

• Watch for red flags such as spelling errors or urgent phrases like “act now.”

• Block and delete suspicious messages.

Police say anyone who receives such contact should treat it as fraudulent and warn others who may be at risk.