Stone residents are being warned to watch out for fake messages about Winter Fuel Payments as scammers target people through texts, emails and phone calls.
Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team says criminals are posing as government departments and telling people they need to apply for their payment, confirm personal information or provide bank details.
The messages can appear convincing, sometimes using official logos and wording designed to look genuine.
Most people who are eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment receive it automatically. Residents are being advised not to follow links in unexpected messages asking them to claim a payment or provide personal or banking details.
Some people do legitimately need to make a Winter Fuel Payment claim, but this should be done through the official government service rather than through a link sent in an unsolicited message.
Anthony Screen, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience, 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.”
Trading Standards advises residents to be suspicious of unexpected calls, texts or emails about Winter Fuel Payments and not to click links in unsolicited messages.
People should never provide banking, security or other personal information in response to an unexpected communication.
Suspected scam text messages can be forwarded free of charge to 7726. Anyone who believes they have shared financial information or lost money should contact their bank immediately.
Scams can also be reported to the Citizens Advice consumer service.
Residents who are unsure whether they need to claim a Winter Fuel Payment should use the official GOV.UK Winter Fuel Payment service rather than following a link in a message they have received.
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