People across Scotland are being urged to stay alert this winter as criminals attempt to exploit heating benefit payments with fake text and email scams.
More than half a million households received winter support from Social Security Scotland last year, including automatic payments to help families, pensioners and disabled children stay warm.
But as payments begin again for 2025/26, scammers are sending out fake messages pretending to be from official agencies, telling people they must act urgently to claim cash or update their details.
The reality is most people don’t need to apply at all.
Winter Heating Payment, Child Winter Heating Payment, and Pension Age Winter Heating Payment are issued automatically to almost everyone who qualifies.
Social Security Scotland never contacts people by text or email asking for bank or personal details, and does not request replies through those channels.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, urged the public to remain vigilant.
“As we approach the winter months, Social Security Scotland will be giving valuable payments to thousands of people automatically,” she said.
“It’s important people stay alert to scam messages.
“If you receive a text or email asking for personal information, don’t reply and don’t click on any links.”
Anyone unsure about their eligibility is encouraged to contact Social Security Scotland directly via their official website or helpline.
Tips for spotting scams include watching for messages that demand urgent action, ask for money, or link to unfamiliar websites.
People should always verify contact details using official websites and never download files or follow links in suspicious emails or texts.
Those who believe they’ve been targeted should contact their bank immediately and report any suspected fraud to Police Scotland by calling 101.
While most payments are issued without needing to apply, some people may still need to check, including those who have deferred their state pension or receive no other benefits.
The deadline to apply for the 2025/26 winter payment cycle is 31 March 2026, though late applications may be accepted with a valid reason.
Support and guidance on applications is available at mygov.scot/benefits-support and through Social Security Scotland’s free helpline.
