Residents warned about scam emails requesting personal data for nonexistent fuel payments. Council advises caution.
The emails tell people to click a link to provide personal information and payment details. The council says this is a scam. The council posted on X about the emails.
They reminded people that payments are automatic if eligible and that the website in the email is not real. Don’t click the link and never enter any personal details. The scam website asks for a small payment to unlock the fake allowance.
Contact the council if you have doubts, as most eligible people get payments automatically and don’t need to apply. The Department for Work and Pensions provides these payments, which began in 1997 to help pensioners with heating costs.
Recent plans changed the winter fuel payments, so only those getting Pension Credit now qualify. The council says check gov.uk if unsure about eligibility.