Beware of the cost of living allowance issue notice – it’s a scam!

Look out for a new scam that’s targeting pensioners and their families in Lancashire.  

Sent as a text, the scam says there’s a new living allowance to replace the winter fuel allowance.  

The message includes a link asking for personal details to claim this allowance. Although it looks like it’s from the government, it’s actually from criminals who want to steal your information and access your bank accounts. 

Blackburn and Darwen council has confirmed the message is a scam and that the government or council would never send out text messages with links to make claims.  

“Links can contain something called malware that could infect your phone or device and lead scammers to doing further damage,” said a council spokesperson.  

The government advises anyone who may have clicked on the link, or made a payment, to contact their bank.  

The council says that those eligible for the winter fuel payment will be paid automatically. Anyone accepted for a new claim for pension credit will also be entitled to the payment.  

Tips on avoiding fake texts 

The tactic where cybercriminals send out texts pretending to be a trusted organisation is known as ‘smishing’ or ‘phishing.’  

So, how do you know if a text is real or fake? There are some tell-tale signs that it could be a scam and ways to protect yourself: 

• Be wary of messages you get from unknown numbers. 

• Trusted organisations like your bank, police or the government will never ask you to download anything or move your money.  

• If you’re asked to fill in a form or make a refund, contact the organisation before you agree to anything to check it’s really them. 

• If you get a message claiming to be from someone you know, don’t rush into anything. Contact the person a different way first to confirm it’s them.  

 For more tips on how to avoid being scammed and what to do if you think you’ve been conned, check out our outsmart a scammer guide.