Sunderland City Council issues warning after scam texts target residents over winter fuel payments

Sunderland city council has issued a warning after reports have circulated of scam texts targeting residents over winter fuel payments.

Such texts attempt to impersonate the Department of Work and Pensions and contain links which seek to steal card and bank details.

In a statement, a Council spokesperson said: “Be scam aware. We’ve had reports of scam SMS messages targeting residents.

“The messages mention Cost of Living Payments, Winter Fuel Allowance or Household Support Fund and falsely claim to be from the UK Home Office or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

“The messages might tell you that you’re eligible for a subsidy and urge you to click on the link they provide, which then requests personal info, bank details and payments.”