DORSET residents are being asked to be vigilant after a Winter Fuel Payment scam is making the rounds.

Police said they’ve seen a sharp increase in the scams, which see people receive a text or email impersonating the Department for Work and Pensions.

The message includes a link that, if clicked on, asks people to provide personal details and pay a small sum, usually £1, to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

“The Department for Work and Pensions will NOT contact you via email or text message with a link to a form,” a Dorset Police spokesperson said.

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“Therefore, if you do receive an SMS or email pertaining to the Winter Heating Payment, please do not click the link or provide any personal or financial information.”

Anyone who receives the scam text should forward the text to 7726 or forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk

The Winter Fuel Payment is available for those born before 22 September 1959, and provides between £100 and £300 to help people pay their heating bills for winter 2025 to 2026.

Anyone eligible will receive a letter in October or November clarifying how much they will get, with most payments made in November or December.