Some text messages are designed to look like they are sent from official government departments
A text message claiming to be from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is circulating in Northern Ireland.
The scam message claims to relate to “an application for the Winter Heating Allowance for 2024-2025.” It adds: “It is important that you complete your application by 16 June 2025 to ensure you receive your £300 allowance. If you do not submit your application by the deadline, you will not be able to receive the subsidy.”
The text then includes a link to a scam website, before advising people to restart their messaging application to activate the link, or copy it to their internet browser to open.
READ MORE: Minister issues fresh warning as pensioners targeted in Winter Fuel Payment scamsREAD MORE: 15,000 people in NI disabled households could need food bank after benefit cuts
Advice on the NI Direct website states some scams involving SMS text messages or emails are designed to look like they are sent from official government departments.
It adds: “The messages may try to pressure you to apply quickly and ask you to click a link or pay an amount of money to make a claim.
“HM Government, DWP, or government departments like the Department for Communities will never ask for your bank details by text, email or via links to click within a text or email.”
As for what you should do if you receive such a message, NI Direct states: “If you have had a message like this, it may be a scam. You should report any suspicious emails or text messages asking for your bank details to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or the Action Fraud online fraud reporting tool and inform your local Jobs and Benefits office.”
Last week, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons issued a warning as pensioners had been targeted by scams within 24 hours of an announcement being made relating to the winter fuel payment.
He said: “It’s extremely important to say at this early stage that there are already a number of scams circulating since yesterday’s announcement, asking pensioners to provide their personal details, bank account details, etc.
“So let me be absolutely clear, pensioners do not need to do anything to receive the winter fuel payment this year.”
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