Residents in Andover are being warned to ignore a scam text message claiming to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
A fraudulent text message is circulating, falsely claiming to be an official reminder from the DWP about the Winter Heating Allowance for 2025–2026.
The message, sent from a +63 Philippines based phone number, urges recipients to apply for a £300 stipend by following a suspicious link. It falsely claims that failure to apply by 22 July 2025 (today) will result in loss of eligibility.
The link in the message – which mimics a government web address – is not legitimate and could be used to harvest personal or financial details.
Residents are urged not to click the link or respond to the message. Instead, report it to 7726, the free spam-reporting service, or to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
The genuine Winter Fuel Payment is administered automatically to those eligible – no online application is required for most recipients.
A spokesperson from the Department for Work and Pensions confirmed:
“DWP never sends messages asking people to apply via unofficial links or third-party websites. If in doubt, visit GOV.UK directly.”
