Several residents in our area have reported receiving scam text messages claiming to offer a “Winter Fuel Payment” through a suspicious link. These texts are fraudulent and should not be trusted.
These messages falsely claim you must “apply” for your Winter Fuel Payment or pay a fee to receive it. This is not true. Cornwall Council has confirmed that this is a scam currently circulating in Cornwall.
If you get a text saying you need to apply for Winter Fuel Payments or pay a fee, it’s a scam. You don’t need to do anything to receive this.
✅ What should you do?
| ✔️ Action | 📝 Guidance |
| Ignore & delete the message | Do not click any links or provide personal details. |
| Report it | Forward the message to 7726 (a free scam text reporting service). |
| Reassure others | Let friends, neighbours, and vulnerable relatives know. |
| Use official info | Always check benefit details at www.gov.uk. Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically if you’re eligible. |
