Crime | Posted on August 14th, 2025 | return to news

Dorset Police warns of Winter Heating Payment scams

The Force is warning people not to click on texts or emails asking for personal details relating to the payment this year.

Many people will be hoping that this year they will be eligible for the Winter Heating payment, but they should be wary of scammers.

If you were born before 22 September 1959 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2025 to 2026. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2025.

However, Dorset Police has seen a sharp increase in reports relating to Winter Heating Payment scams.

The scam involves a text message or email, impersonating the Department for Work and Pensions, and includes a link to click and provide personal details, as well as a small payment (usually £1) to receive the Winter Heating Payment. This is fraudulent.

The Department for Work and Pensions will NOT contact you via email or text message with a link to a form. Therefore, people who receive an SMS or email pertaining to the Winter Heating Payment, should not click the link or provide any personal or financial information. Instead, please report the message by forwarding the text to 7726 or forward the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk

If you are unsure of your eligibility visit https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim.