Care Providers in the east of England have reported an increase in scams hoping to exploit people’s worries over the announced changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance scheme and the Digital Switchover being rolled out across the country by UK telecoms companies and healthcare telephony providers.
Either a text message or email are sent that says “you are eligible for £900”, or asking for an initial fee, bank details or other personal information.
These scammers pretend to be from either the Govt or local authority. Currently neither the Govt nor local authorities are advising people via text message or email, and specifically neither organisation will ever ask you for a fee, immediate payment or further personal details.
Should you ever be unsure, please check with your local authority direct. In the interim if you receive either a text or email stating you are eligible for a large sum or grant, there is action you can take:
How to report suspect calls and emails
- All scam phone calls can be reported by texting the word ‘call’ and the dodgy phone number to 7726.
- You can report scam callers on WhatsApp by tapping ‘report contact’ and ‘block’ after opening up the chat with the dodgy phone number.
- Suspicious emails should be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk , and scam websites can be reported to the NCSC online.
You can also report scams to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Finally, you can report digital switchover scams to your local Trading Standards team or contact HCPA on 01707 708 108.