Residents have warned against a new text message scam that appears to be preying on elderly people.
Multiple people in Fareham have reported on social media they have received the same scam texts, many of which were sent at the same time, that promise a Winter Fuel Payment.
On September 10, the government voted to change the support scheme to only help pensioners who qualify for pension credit, universal credit, or income support.
This left millions without the extra payments to go towards their heating bills.
The scam capitalises on this and uses current weather temperatures to tell users that they can claim either a £100 or £300 payment.
READ MORE: Fareham council to help pensioners after winter fuel payment cut
A link then direct users to a phishing website that looks similar to the government's official page, but would steal their personal information if it were to be entered.
Carla Hodgson was one of the first to report the messages on Facebook and said that every time she has posted it, others have told her that they have received the texts too.
“It only takes one person to click or call and provide personal information and the consequences would be terrible,” Carla said.
“The key message is don't respond and ask a friend or relative to help if unsure about authenticity.
“These messages and numbers can be instantly blocked on their phone.”
READ MORE: Winter fuel payment vote a 'difficult decision' says Southampton MP
Another user who received the text, but wanted to stay anonymous, said: “My nan got a message like this and it makes me sick how they give a time limit.
“There are a lot of people who need that extra money and would panic and put their information in without asking a family member if it is real.
“As soon as information goes in it’s already too late.”
The messages are sent via SMS and come through as text messages.
Carla added: “It's deplorable, and worrying how these perpetrators get hold off people's mobile numbers.”
She said that raising awareness is currently the best way to help others avoid falling foul of these scammers.
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