Winter Fuel Payment: Older People’s Commissioner warns of increased risk of scams targeted at older people

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has warned that older people are at increased risk of being targeted by criminals exploiting tax changes relating to the Winter Fuel Payment.

She said that scams and fraud relating to tax arrangements are common, but when new arrangements like these are put in place there are often significant increases in this kind of criminal activity, adding that criminals also often target older people specifically, due their perceived vulnerability.

The Commissioner has urged older people to be vigilant and to avoid sharing personal or financial information with anyone who contacts them unexpectedly about this matter.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said:

“Whenever high-profile changes to tax or financial arrangements are made, like those we’re seeing with the new Winter Fuel Payment system, we often see massive spikes in fraud and scams, which are often targeted at older people who are often seen as ‘easy targets’ by criminals.

“Common scams included being contacted by text or email, either with a warning that money is owed or the promise of a rebate, advising individuals to click a link to resolve the matter, which often involves sharing personal or financial information.

“If someone receives something that seems genuine, but are not sure, then they should find a publicly available phone number or email address and contact the organisation in question to double-check.

“Similarly, if you receive something you think is a scam, please report it. You can forward suspected scam texts to 7726 (which spells out SPAM), or forward suspected scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk so they can be investigated.

“It’s crucial that older people are vigilant and do not share personal details if they are contacted unexpectedly about this or a similar matter.”

ENDS