Subj : UK pensioners targeted with fake Winter Fuel Payment scam
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Mon Nov 11 2024 11:15:05

UK pensioners targeted with fake Winter Fuel Payment scam

Date:
Mon, 11 Nov 2024 11:06:34 +0000

Description:
Fake winter fuel and cost of living support texts are being sent to the 
elderly

FULL STORY
======================================================================Scammers
 are targeting pensioners with phishing scams Fake winter fuel support texts 
have been sent to trick victims Phishing scams are on the rise, increasingly 
targeting older victims 

With the cost of living crisis and the recent introduction of a means tested 
winter fuel payment, many in the UK are looking for guidance and support this 
winter-  but scammers are taking advantage of the confusion by sending fake 
winter heating allowance and cost of living support texts. 

The texts have been sent to UK residents, encouraging the recipient to click 
on a link that takes them to a webpage made to mimic the official GOV.UK 
website, where they are prompted to fill in a form with personal information 
and payment details. 

Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to panic victims into action 
without the time to think through the implications or details that may look 
out of place. This scam is no different, with the text telling victims that 
this is the last notice before the deadline. 600 domains identified 

 Researchers from BleepingComputer identified 597 unique domains related to 
this campaign, which shows how far reaching the threat is. Similar campaigns 
have been observed in Lancashire and Belfast, using fake regional support 
networks to trick victims. 

Please note that the government has decided that the Winter heating_allowance 
and Cost of Living_support for 2024 have been fully implemented, you have met 
the requirements, the text obtained by researchers reads. 

Please be sure to fill in the application information as soon as possible, we 
will release the money to you within 3days, please note that check, this will 
be the last notice to you, the online application channel deadline is 
November 12, it continued. 

By promising a payout but imposing a fake deadline, the scammers create a 
false sense of urgency so that victims don't are hurried into entering 
sensitive information. 

Phishing scams are on the rise, and are becoming harder to spot , we always 
recommend taking your time, not clicking any links from untrusted sources, 
and always getting a second opinion if you arent sure. 

Via BleepingComputer You might also like Take a look at our pick of the best 
malware removal Quishing is the new QR code scam you need to watch out for 
Check out our choices for best antivirus software



======================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/uk-pensioners-targeted-with-fake-winter
-fuel-payment-scam


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