The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent warning to state pensioners over fraudulent text messages.

One of these messages, purporting to come from the UK Government’s Living Allowance Office, falsely informs recipients that a “winter heating grant” has been replaced with a different payment.

One concerned pensioner said he received a message saying: ‘Reminder from last time from the UK Government’s Living Allowance Office: Due to the reduction in Winter Heating Allowance you can no longer receive it, and the British government has decided to bring forward the subsistence allowance to enable you to survive the winter. »

The message further stated: “We will reopen applications. Please apply for your living allowance via the link as soon as possible after receiving the information.”

The link provided in the message leads to a fraudulent website designed to imitate official government pages, tricking victims into revealing sensitive information.

The official notice emphasizes that fraudulent texts can, among other warning signs, pressure or threaten the recipient.

Retirees are also advised to be vigilant if they receive unexpected requests for personal information, invitations to transfer funds, or offers of refunds, tax reductions, or grants.

The DWP advises older people in the UK to report any suspicious websites, emails, phone numbers, calls or text messages, and to avoid sharing private information or interacting with content if the authenticity is suspected. doubted, reports Birmingham Live.

The government statement read: “Forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. The National Cyber ​​Security Center (NCSC) will investigate. Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 – it’s free. This will report the message to your mobile operator.

“Report fraudulent or misleading adverts to the Advertising Standards Authority. You can report adverts found online, including in search engines, websites or on social media.”