Latest news with #winterfuelpayments
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Pensioners targeted in winter fuel payment scam
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) received over 15,000 reports of bogus activity in June, with fraudsters targeting vulnerable people using texts and phishing websites related to winter fuel payments. HMRC has urged the public to be vigilant against suspicious communications, including phone calls, emails, and texts, and to report them via adding: 'Don't be fooled'. The revenue body clarified that it will never contact individuals by text to claim winter fuel payments or request personal information. Eligible individuals will receive winter fuel payments automatically without needing to make a claim. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that nine million pensioners will receive the payments this winter, reversing a previous decision to limit them.
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
HMRC issue winter fuel payment scam warning after thousands targeted
People have been urged to beware of scams linked to winter fuel payments after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) received more than 15,000 reports of bogus activity last month. HMRC received a total of 15,100 reports of bogus activity in June, with fraudsters targeting vulnerable people using texts and phishing websites. Now, the revenue body is urging people to watch out for suspect communications and to report them – phone calls, emails or texts – via Last month, HMRC acted to remove 4,600 fake websites linked to winter fuel payments. 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. 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 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.
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Winter fuel payment scam warning after HMRC receives over 15,000 reports in June
People 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 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. 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 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.
The Guardian
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Welfare, winter fuel payments and Trump: key markers of Labour's first year in power
The Labour party's first year in power has seen a determined and relatively successful approach to foreign policy coupled with a number of controversial domestic policies, such as the winter fuel payments and the welfare bill. One year on, we reflect on the moments that have marked the party's first 12 months in power
The Independent
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
What Starmer's benefits backdowns will cost the UK
Sir Keir Starmer 's recent U-turns on welfare and winter fuel payments have created a £4.5 billion deficit in public finances, necessitating tax increases or spending cuts. The decision to protect all existing Personal Independence Payment (Pip) recipients and those receiving the health element of Universal Credit will cost an estimated £3.2 billion annually. This financial shortfall is compounded by the £1.3 billion decision to reinstate winter fuel payments for pensioners, making the chancellor 's autumn Budget balancing act more challenging. The concessions were made to appease Labour MPs and prevent a humiliating defeat on the controversial welfare bill, which faced strong opposition. Critics warn that the changes could lead to a 'two-tier system' for Pip claimants, where new and existing recipients face different eligibility criteria.
