Scammers jump on shambles of winter fuel U-turn

Pensioners fall victim to 'devastating' new swindle

- By Giles Sheldrick

CHAOS caused by Labour's botched handling of the winter fuel payment has led to pensioners becoming targets for scammers.

Cyber crime gangs have seized on the “incompetence” of ministers who snatched the cold weather cash before making a humiliating U-turn.

After the near year-long disarray over the criteria for qualifying, there has been an alarming increase in unsolicited messages sent via texts, WhatsApp and email inviting pensioners to reply or click on links taking them to fake websites that can steal data and money.

The organised gangs are exploiting the muddle to prey on those worried they do not qualify for the annual lump sum. But it is paid automatically and the Department for Work and Pensions says it “never sends text messages or emails requesting bank details for winter fuel payment purposes”.

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately said: “People who worked hard all their lives were left in the cold last winter and now they are being exposed to scammers hoping to profit from Labour's incompetence.

“They are being targeted because of Labour's callous choices.

“Its woeful handling of the winter fuel payments knows no bounds.”