MSP warning over heating text scam

Brown urges vigilance with return of winter payment

- STUART MCFARLANE

Scam texts Messages are from criminals often pretending to be Social Security or another organisation

A recent spate of scam texts warning people about winter heating payments are the subject of a fresh warning from a local MSP.

The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has been introduced this year in Scotland to replace the axed Winter Fuel Payment, with most eligible people automatically set to receive the benefit - worth between £101 and £305

No action is required for people eligible to receive the payment - with around 18,600 people in Stirling in position to benefit.

However, the body in charge of the payments, Social Security Scotland, have warned of scammers looking to take advantage of uncertainty to request personal information via emails or text messages.

Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown has shared warnings about bogus texts from apparent government agencies being received by constituents as the cold weather begins to set in.