Scammers target Scottish public with heating bill texts
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, has warned that the messages are designed to steal personal and financial information.
Read more: 'Alarmed': Man had to pay more than £1k in council tax due to post delays
The charity is urging the public to help spread the word about the scam and to warn older friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable.
Hazel Knowles, consumer project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: "These scam messages are highly convincing and may target vulnerable people, particularly older citizens who might be expecting legitimate support.
"It's important to remember that the genuine Winter Heating Payment in Scotland is automatic if you are eligible, and there is no application process.
"You will automatically receive a single payment between December and February, and you will get an email from Social Security Scotland informing you when it's coming.
"Anyone who receives a suspicious text message should avoid clicking on links, never share personal or banking details, and report the scam immediately."
The scam messages, which claim recipients must apply for the payment, have begun circulating in Scotland after initially appearing only in England and Wales.
These misleading texts claim individuals must apply to receive a £300 payment and give a false deadline to create a sense of urgency.
Read more: Expert warns this bad habit can invalidate home insurance (and lure burglars)
Advice Direct Scotland believes the scam began following the UK Government's announcement of the Winter Fuel Payment in June, which applies only to England and Wales.
Figures published by Advice Direct Scotland revealed that digital scams have risen by more than 1000% since 2021, with reported losses totalling £861,384 in the past year.
The scams include romance fraud, cryptocurrency schemes, phishing emails, and fake social media adverts.
Anyone who receives a suspicious message is advised to contact onsumeradvice.scot on 0808 164 6000, or report the scam via the tool at scamwatch.scot.
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