EE, Wightbay And DWP Scams Among Latest Alerts Issued For Isle Of Wight

Island residents are being urged to stay vigilant after a wave of new scam messages and fake online adverts have been reported across the Isle of Wight.

Trading Standards says several convincing scams are currently circulating — some even fooling experienced consumers — and are reminding people never to click links or share personal information unless they’re absolutely sure the message is genuine.

📱 Fake EE Payment Messages

One Trading Standards officer recently received a text claiming to be from EE, saying a direct debit payment couldn’t be processed and urging them to click a link.

This is a scam – do not click on any links in texts or emails.

If you’re worried about a missed payment, contact your provider directly or check your bank to confirm.

Suspicious messages can be forwarded free of charge to 7726 (which spells “SPAM” on your keypad).

💰 Bogus DWP Winter Fuel Payment Texts

Another scam text is circulating, pretending to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and claiming you must “apply” for your Winter Fuel Payment.

This is false – the payment is made automatically, and you do not need to make a claim.

🐾 Wightbay Kitten Deposit Scam

Residents have also reported fake adverts on Wightbay, offering kittens for sale.

Scammers ask for a deposit up front but refuse to let buyers see the animals beforehand.

Trading Standards says you should never pay for anything online or locally unless you’ve seen the item in person.

💻 Beware of Fake Government and NHS Websites

Islanders are also being caught out by fake websites when renewing driving licences, passports, or other official documents.

Always use the official GOV.UK website to avoid paying unnecessary fees or giving your details to fraudsters.

In a separate scam, an officer received an email pretending to be from the NHS Prescription Service, asking them to click a link. The message came from a fake email address, not a genuine NHS one.

Scam emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk, where they’ll be investigated and used to help disrupt fraudsters.

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

• Never click on links in unsolicited texts or emails.

• Double-check sender addresses carefully — small changes (like an extra letter or number) are often a giveaway.

• Report suspicious texts to 7726 and emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.

• If in doubt, contact the organisation directly using official contact details.

Trading Standards is reminding Islanders that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated.