by Steffen Kemmerzehl, MAAT, AATQB – see The Accounting Hub
If you or someone close to you receives a Winter Fuel Payment, it is worth staying alert.
Recently, HM Revenue & Customs warned that scammers are increasingly targeting pensioners with fake messages about repaying Winter Fuel Payments. You can read the official HMRC guidance here. These messages can look convincing, sound urgent, and create panic, but they are not genuine.
At Friendly Assist Accountancy, we understand that tax changes can sometimes feel confusing. Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of that uncertainty. Knowing what is real, and what is not, can help you protect yourself and the people around you.
What has actually changed
From 2026, some pensioners with an income over £35,000 may need to repay their Winter Fuel Payment. For most people, this will be handled automatically through the tax system, usually through an adjustment to their PAYE tax code or through Self Assessment. In many cases, there is nothing you need to do
How the scams work
Scam messages often create a sense of urgency. They may say things like:
• You must repay immediately
• Click here to avoid penalties
• Confirm your bank details now
The aim is simple. They want you to act quickly before you have time to stop and check.
What is actually true
HM Revenue & Customs will not ask you to:
• repay Winter Fuel Payment by text message
• click a payment link in an email
• share your bank details by phone, text, or email
If money is owed, repayment is normally handled automatically through the tax system.
A simple example
Imagine you receive a text saying you owe money for your Winter Fuel Payment and need to pay immediately to avoid penalties.
It looks official. It sounds urgent. It may even include a link that appears genuine.
But in reality, no legitimate message should pressure you into making a quick payment or sharing personal details.
If you are ever unsure, stop and check first.
If you receive a suspicious message
Do not rush to respond.
Do not click links, make payments, or share personal details. Instead, check through official government channels or speak to someone you trust.
Even if this does not affect you personally, it may affect someone close to you, such as a parent, grandparent, neighbour, friend, or client.
How we can help
At Friendly Assist Accountancy, we believe good accountancy is about more than numbers. It is about helping people feel informed, confident, and supported.
If you receive something suspicious and are unsure whether it is genuine, send it to us and we will happily take a quick look. Sometimes, a simple check can prevent a costly mistake.
References: HMRC’s official guidance on Winter Fuel Payment scams and Paying back the Winter Fuel Payment
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