West Lothian locals warned by leading charity over scam text messages
West Lothian locals are being warned over scam text messages claiming that they are about to miss out on help with their heating bills, according to a leading charity.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, said anyone receiving such a message should delete it and report it to them.
The fake texts previously appeared to be circulating only in England and Wales, but scammers are now targeting people north of the border as well.
The messages, which claim to come from the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), urge recipients to apply for the 'Winter Heating Allowance' through a fake website.
One such scam message reads: 'According to DWP records: You have not yet submitted your application for Winter Heating Allowance 2025-2026.'
It adds that people will only receive the '£300 payment' if they complete their application soon, giving a false deadline.
It is thought that the scam originated in the wake of the UK Government's announcement about the Winter Fuel Payment in June, a benefit which applies in England and Wales.
In Scotland, the separate Winter Heating Payment is administered by Social Security Scotland, and no application is required. Payments are made automatically to those who are eligible.
Advice Direct Scotland is warning that links included in the messages may lead to fake websites designed to steal people's personal and financial details.
The charity is urging people to spread the word about the scam, particularly if they have older friends or relatives who may be more vulnerable to fraudsters.
Anyone receiving such a message should contact consumeradvice.scot on 0808 164 6000, or report the scam via the tool at scamwatch.scot.
Figures published by Advice Direct Scotland in June show digital scams have surged by over 1,000 per cent since 2021, with reported losses totalling £861,384 in the past year.
Cases include romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, phishing emails with fake deals, and false social media adverts pressuring victims to hand over money, bank details or personal information.
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.
'If you are unsure about any message or wish to report a scam, our consumeradvice.scot team is here to help.
'You can contact our expert advisers on 0808 164 6000 and they will be happy to assist you.'
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