Pensioners across the UK are being urged to stay alert as scammers look to exploit the recovery of Winter Fuel Payments—just as repayments begin to take effect this month.
HMRC has issued a warning that fraudsters may target older individuals during the process, using convincing emails, texts, calls and letters to pose as official communications.
The alert comes as almost two million people are expected to repay their winter 2025 payment after their annual income exceeded £35,000. With such a large number affected, HMRC fears the scale of the exercise could create opportunities for scams.
There is already evidence of the risk. Over the past year, HMRC received more than 25,000 scam referrals linked to Winter Fuel Payments—and that number could rise as repayments get underway.
For most pensioners, the process itself will be straightforward. Repayments will typically be handled automatically through adjustments to PAYE tax codes from April 2026, meaning there is no need to contact HMRC directly.
Those who complete a self assessment tax return will see the payment included in their 2025/26 return if they file online, although HMRC advises checking the details carefully. If it is missing, it will need to be added manually. Paper filers will also need to include the amount themselves.
The rules apply across the UK, including Scotland—where the payment is known as the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment—and Northern Ireland, where payments were issued by the Department for Work and Pensions. In all cases, HMRC is responsible for recovering the funds.
Officials are keen to stress a simple message: genuine communications about the repayment process will not demand immediate action or payment in unusual ways.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, warned that scammers are increasingly sophisticated, often imitating official messages to pressure people into handing over money or personal information.
For anyone unsure, HMRC advises using its online guidance on GOV.UK to check how repayments work—rather than responding directly to unexpected contact.
As repayments begin, awareness will be key. For many pensioners, the process will be routine—but staying cautious could help prevent a costly mistake.
