People in Staffordshire are being urged to stay alert to scams linked to Winter Fuel Payments, as fraudsters look to exploit concerns about energy costs and government support schemes.
Trading Standards officers at Staffordshire County Council are warning that criminals are sending fake text messages, emails and making telephone calls claiming to be from government departments.
Messages often suggest that people need to apply for a Winter Fuel Payment, confirm their details or provide bank account information.
The scams are designed to steal personal and financial information and can lead to identity fraud or financial loss.
Most eligible people receive Winter Fuel Payments automatically and that government departments will not contact people by text message asking for bank details or directing them to a website to claim a payment.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: "Criminals are very good at making messages look genuine and often use official logos and convincing language to gain people's trust.
"If you receive a text, email or phone call asking you to claim a Winter Fuel Payment or provide personal or banking information, treat it with extreme caution.
"We would particularly encourage people to speak with older relatives, friends and neighbours about these scams. A simple conversation could prevent someone from becoming a victim."
Officers have offered their top tips for staying safe:
- Be suspicious of unexpected texts, emails or calls about Winter Fuel Payments.
- Never click links contained within unsolicited messages.
- Never provide personal, banking or security information in response to an unexpected communication.
- Report scam text messages by forwarding them free of charge to 7726.
- Contact your bank immediately if you believe you have shared financial information or lost money to a scam.
People can report scams to the Citizen Advice Consumer Advice Helpline.
