Pensioners have been warned of a surge in scam texts targeting older people. Fraudsters are exploiting confusion around the newly expanded winter fuel payment scheme, which will see millions more pensioners across England and Wales receive up to £300 this year.

The Government has broadened eligibility for the benefit again this winter. Now, any pensioner born before September 22, 1959, with a total annual income of £35,000 or less will automatically receive the payment, which is intended to help cover rising heating bills. This marks a significant change from last year, when controversially, only those on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits qualified. The payment will be made automatically, usually in November or December, with no need to apply.

However, the widened criteria have left many pensioners unsure about their eligibility, creating a “grey area” for scammers to exploit, according to personal finance experts.

Fiona Peake, personal finance expert at Ocean Finance, said: “The new eligibility criteria make things more complicated. A single pensioner earning £36,000 a year could have to pay back the full amount, while a couple earning £69,000 could keep every penny. That creates a grey area scammers love to exploit.”

Fraudsters have been sending fake messages pretending to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), urging recipients to “apply now” or risk missing out on their £300 payment. These scam texts often include bogus links and requests for personal details or ask people to reply in order to claim the payment.

Authorities stress that these messages are fraudulent. The DWP has confirmed that all eligible pensioners will receive the payment automatically and that no application is required.

This means any message claiming otherwise, especially those seeking bank details, payments, or warning of urgent deadlines, should be treated with suspicion.

Siobhan Blagbrough, financial crime manager at Ocean Finance, said: “If you’ve already clicked a link or given details, contact your bank immediately. You can also report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

“Above all, trust your instincts. Genuine Government payments won’t be sent via text messages with links or requests for personal information.”