Residents are being urged to watch out for scam text messages claiming to offer access to Winter Fuel Payments.
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Action Fraud says it has received thousands of reports this year of bogus messages, with victims collectively losing more than £27,000. Winter Fuel Payments are issued automatically, and no one needs to apply or respond to any text to receive them.
Police stress that any text message about Winter Fuel Payments is a scam, and anyone receiving one should avoid clicking links and report it to Action Fraud.
Anyone who thinks they’ve been a victim of fraud is advised to contact their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.