Police warn of rise in DWP scam attempts

Merseyside Police is urging the public to remain vigilant following a significant increase in attempted frauds relating to Winter Fuel Payments, with criminals impersonating the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to steal personal information and money.

Action Fraud has recorded 64 reports of DWP-related scams in Merseyside between June 2024 and July 2025, with 32 of these incidents occurring in just the past two months. This represents half of all such reports made in the last year, prompting detectives to issue an urgent warning to residents.

This spate of fraudulent activity appears timed to coincide with the government’s recent changes to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility criteria. Fraudsters are exploiting this period of transition and public uncertainty about the changes to target vulnerable individuals, particularly older residents.

Criminals are using sophisticated methods to contact potential victims, including fake SMS messages and official-looking letters delivered directly to homes. The fraudulent communications typically claim to be from the DWP and suggest that recipients must provide personal details to secure their Winter Fuel Payment.

Victims are either directed to fake websites that closely resemble genuine DWP pages or given phone numbers to call. Once contact is made, they are coaxed into supplying personal information, including bank details, with a view to making payments to the criminals.

The majority of reports received by Merseyside Police relate to digital contact methods, including phone calls, emails, and text messages. Officers stress that the DWP does not send text messages and emails requesting personal and bank details for Winter Fuel Payments, meaning any unsolicited contact like this is fraudulent.

Detective Sergeant John Causton of the Economic Crime Team at Merseyside Police said: "These criminals are deliberately targeting some of our most vulnerable community members during a time of transition with benefit changes. We're working closely with partners and the North West Regional Crime Unit to identify and prosecute those responsible, but we need the public's help to prevent more people from becoming victims. Prevention remains the most effective protection against these crimes.”

The DWP advise that most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible. Provided you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get, with payment being made in November or December 2025

Key warning signs for fraud include unexpected texts, emails, or letters claiming to be from the DWP that request personal information or bank details; pressure to act quickly or face missing out on payments; and demands for upfront payments or card verification.

If you receive any suspicious communications, do not click any links or provide personal information. Forward scam texts to 7726 for investigation, report incidents to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online, and warn vulnerable friends and relatives about the scam. For genuine enquiries about Winter Fuel Payments, contact the DWP directly using official channels found on gov.uk.

The public can visit the Stop! Think Fraud website at gov.uk/StopThinkFraud for more comprehensive guidance and support.

Information about those committing fraud can be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.

All victims of crime residing in Merseyside have access to free, confidential advice and support. Victim Care Merseyside consists of a hub of specially trained staff acting as a single point of contact for all victims and survivors. Visit: Request Support: Victim Care Merseyside or Freephone 0808 175 3080