Latest news with #KellyPaterson
Western Telegraph
9 hours ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
HMRC scam warning as thousands sent fake winter fuel message
Callous fraudsters have been targeting vulnerable people using texts and phishing websites. In June, HMRC acted to remove 4,600 fake websites linked to winter fuel payments. The revenue body is urging people to watch out for suspect communications and to report any suspect phone calls, emails or texts via An example of the scam texts that have been sent out (Image: Newsquest) How do I know if it's really HMRC contacting me? HMRC will never contact people by text to claim winter fuel payments or request personal information. Anyone who is eligible for winter fuel payments will receive them automatically without having to make a claim, it said. HMRC added that any recovery of the payment for pensioners whose total income is over £35,000 will be collected via pay as you earn (PAYE) or self-assessment, dependent on how the person pays tax on their income. We took down more than 4,600 Winter Fuel Payment scam websites in June, protecting taxpayers across the UK. ⛔ If you're unsure if the contact you've received from us is genuine, use our online guidance to learn how to recognise and report scams. ⬇️ — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) July 11, 2025 Kelly Paterson, HMRC's chief security officer, said: 'Don't be fooled by these attempts by scammers to take your money or access your personal information. 'Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they're HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard. If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don't give out private information or reply, and don't download attachments or click on links. 'I'm urging people to be alert to scams relating to winter fuel payments and to report any suspicious texts, phone calls or emails to HMRC.' Recommended reading: Winter fuel payments were previously linked to pension credit, with the Government arguing that this would help to balance a 'black hole' in public finances. But in June, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that nine million pensioners will receive the payments this winter as pensioners in England and Wales with an income of £35,000 or less per year benefit. Ms Reeves said in June that the Government had 'listened to people's concerns' about the decision to limit the payment last winter.
South Wales Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
HMRC scam warning as thousands sent fake winter fuel message
Callous fraudsters have been targeting vulnerable people using texts and phishing websites. In June, HMRC acted to remove 4,600 fake websites linked to winter fuel payments. The revenue body is urging people to watch out for suspect communications and to report any suspect phone calls, emails or texts via An example of the scam texts that have been sent out (Image: Newsquest) HMRC will never contact people by text to claim winter fuel payments or request personal information. Anyone who is eligible for winter fuel payments will receive them automatically without having to make a claim, it said. HMRC added that any recovery of the payment for pensioners whose total income is over £35,000 will be collected via pay as you earn (PAYE) or self-assessment, dependent on how the person pays tax on their income. We took down more than 4,600 Winter Fuel Payment scam websites in June, protecting taxpayers across the UK. ⛔ If you're unsure if the contact you've received from us is genuine, use our online guidance to learn how to recognise and report scams. ⬇️ Kelly Paterson, HMRC's chief security officer, said: 'Don't be fooled by these attempts by scammers to take your money or access your personal information. 'Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they're HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard. If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don't give out private information or reply, and don't download attachments or click on links. 'I'm urging people to be alert to scams relating to winter fuel payments and to report any suspicious texts, phone calls or emails to HMRC.' Winter Fuel payments: full details and who is now eligible New regional energy pricing could increase prices in these areas Martin Lewis shares 'crucial need to know' energy bill rules Winter fuel payments were previously linked to pension credit, with the Government arguing that this would help to balance a 'black hole' in public finances. But in June, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that nine million pensioners will receive the payments this winter as pensioners in England and Wales with an income of £35,000 or less per year benefit. Ms Reeves said in June that the Government had 'listened to people's concerns' about the decision to limit the payment last winter.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
HMRC scam warning as thousands sent fake winter fuel message
Callous fraudsters have been targeting vulnerable people using texts and phishing websites. In June, HMRC acted to remove 4,600 fake websites linked to winter fuel payments. The revenue body is urging people to watch out for suspect communications and to report any suspect phone calls, emails or texts via An example of the scam texts that have been sent out (Image: Newsquest) How do I know if it's really HMRC contacting me? HMRC will never contact people by text to claim winter fuel payments or request personal information. Anyone who is eligible for winter fuel payments will receive them automatically without having to make a claim, it said. HMRC added that any recovery of the payment for pensioners whose total income is over £35,000 will be collected via pay as you earn (PAYE) or self-assessment, dependent on how the person pays tax on their income. We took down more than 4,600 Winter Fuel Payment scam websites in June, protecting taxpayers across the UK. ⛔ If you're unsure if the contact you've received from us is genuine, use our online guidance to learn how to recognise and report scams. ⬇️ — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) July 11, 2025 Kelly Paterson, HMRC's chief security officer, said: 'Don't be fooled by these attempts by scammers to take your money or access your personal information. 'Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they're HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard. If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don't give out private information or reply, and don't download attachments or click on links. 'I'm urging people to be alert to scams relating to winter fuel payments and to report any suspicious texts, phone calls or emails to HMRC.' Recommended reading: Winter fuel payments were previously linked to pension credit, with the Government arguing that this would help to balance a 'black hole' in public finances. But in June, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that nine million pensioners will receive the payments this winter as pensioners in England and Wales with an income of £35,000 or less per year benefit. Ms Reeves said in June that the Government had 'listened to people's concerns' about the decision to limit the payment last winter.
Powys County Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
HMRC scam warning as thousands sent fake winter fuel message
HMRC is warning people to be on high alert for scams linked to winter fuel payments after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) received 15,100 reports of bogus activity last month. Callous fraudsters have been targeting vulnerable people using texts and phishing websites. In June, HMRC acted to remove 4,600 fake websites linked to winter fuel payments. The revenue body is urging people to watch out for suspect communications and to report any suspect phone calls, emails or texts via How do I know if it's really HMRC contacting me? HMRC will never contact people by text to claim winter fuel payments or request personal information. Anyone who is eligible for winter fuel payments will receive them automatically without having to make a claim, it said. HMRC added that any recovery of the payment for pensioners whose total income is over £35,000 will be collected via pay as you earn (PAYE) or self-assessment, dependent on how the person pays tax on their income. We took down more than 4,600 Winter Fuel Payment scam websites in June, protecting taxpayers across the UK. ⛔ If you're unsure if the contact you've received from us is genuine, use our online guidance to learn how to recognise and report scams. ⬇️ — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) July 11, 2025 Kelly Paterson, HMRC's chief security officer, said: 'Don't be fooled by these attempts by scammers to take your money or access your personal information. 'Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they're HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard. If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don't give out private information or reply, and don't download attachments or click on links. 'I'm urging people to be alert to scams relating to winter fuel payments and to report any suspicious texts, phone calls or emails to HMRC.' Recommended reading: Winter fuel payments were previously linked to pension credit, with the Government arguing that this would help to balance a 'black hole' in public finances. But in June, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that nine million pensioners will receive the payments this winter as pensioners in England and Wales with an income of £35,000 or less per year benefit.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
HMRC issues urgent Winter Fuel Payment warning to every pensioner due up to £300
Last month, HMRC acted to remove 4,600 fake websites linked to Winter Fuel Payments. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? Millions of pensioners are being warned to be on high alert for scams linked to Winter Fuel Payments after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) received 15,100 reports of bogus activity in June. Fraudsters have been targeting vulnerable people using texts and phishing websites. Last month, HMRC acted to remove 4,600 fake websites linked to Winter Fuel Payments. The revenue body is urging people to watch out for suspect communications and to report any suspect phone calls, emails or texts via here. HMRC said it will never contact people by text to claim Winter Fuel Payments or request personal information - a statement echoed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) last month, shortly after it was announced some 9 million pensioners are set to receive between £100 and £300 later this year. HMRC said anyone who is eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment will receive the money automatically without having to make a claim. HMRC added that any recovery of the payment for pensioners whose total income is over £35,000 will be collected via pay as you earn (PAYE) or self-assessment, depending on how the person pays tax on their income. Kelly Paterson, HMRC's chief security officer, said: 'Don't be fooled by these attempts by scammers to take your money or access your personal information. 'Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they're HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard. If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don't give out private information or reply, and don't download attachments or click on links. 'I'm urging people to be alert to scams relating to winter fuel payments and to report any suspicious texts, phone calls or emails to HMRC.' Winter Fuel Payments in Scotland It's important for older people in Scotland to be aware that they will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment as this has now been replaced by Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. This follows similar eligibility criteria to DWP, but will be issued automatically by Social Security Scotland on November 30. Full details can be found here - just be aware the Scottish Government has not yet updated the pages for winter 2025/26. Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and live in England or Wales. When you will not be eligible You will not be eligible if you: live outside England and Wales were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 If you live in a care home You can get Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home, however, you will not be eligible if both of the following apply: you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) you lived in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlier Payments DWP guidance explains: 'You'll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you'll get, if you're eligible. 'If you do not get a letter but think you're eligible, check if you need to make a claim.' It's important to be aware that scammers may try and trick you into making a claim by text, prompting you to click on a link. This is not an official DWP message and should be deleted. If you think you need to claim, follow the guidance on here. The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 15 to 21 September 2025. This is called the 'qualifying week'. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits. If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment You will get either: £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945 If you live with someone else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment Your payment may be different if you get one of the following benefits: Pension Credit Universal Credit income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Income Support If you do not get any of the benefits You will get a payment of: £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 but the person you live with was born before September 22, 1945 £200 if you were born before September 22, 1945 but the person you live with was born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £150 if you and the person you live with were born before September 22, 1945 If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits One of you will get a payment of either: £200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945 The money will be paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into. If you get any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim) You will get a payment of either: £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945 If your income is more than £35,000 HMRC will take back all of your Winter Fuel Payment through either PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return. If you live in a care home If you are eligible you'll get either: £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £150 if you were born before September 22, 1945 When you will get paid DWP said most payments will be made automatically in November or December. You should get a letter telling you: how much you'll get which bank account it will be paid into - this is usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits DWP added: 'If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.' Opting out of Winter Fuel Payment You can choose to opt out of getting all future Winter Fuel Payments. To opt out you need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before September 15, 2025. Full details on what you will need before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre can be found on here.
