|
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
Herts resident targeted at home by winter fuel payment scammer |
||
|
We are urging residents to be on their guard following a scam incident in Hatfield.
On 28 August, an elderly resident was approached on her doorstep by a man claiming to be from the Winter Fuel Payments Department. The individual showed fake ID and told the victim that she was due to receive her winter fuel payment.
The fraudster produced a card payment machine, asking the resident to insert her bank card for the money to be transferred into her account. The victim tried three separate cards, with each transaction failing. Shortly afterwards the bank informed the victim that multiple attempts had been made to withdraw thousands of pounds from each of her accounts.
This is the first reported incident of a scammer visiting a victim in person. Winter fuel payment scams usually involve fraudsters sending fake text messages or emails to trick people into revealing personal or financial details by claiming they need to apply for a payment they are eligible for. These messages contain links to fake websites or ask you to provide information.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirms that genuine Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically to eligible people, and they never request applications or personal details via text or email.
| ||
Reply to this message | ||
|
|
