Information and advice on how to stay safe during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Below is some important information on how you can access support and safeguard yourself against scams during the coronavirus outbreak.

Unfortunately not everyone out there is trustworthy and some people will try to take advantage of this unusual situation our society is facing and try to exploit people.

Listed below are some of the scams that you could be approached with, but please note that criminals and their scams come in all shapes and sizes, and they may contact you at the door, by phone, post or online:

Young people

Children and Coronavirus leaflet

Individuals

Beware of scammers and fraudsters leaflet

Also be aware of the following scams that have been reported locally:

• Be aware of people offering miracle cures or vaccines for coronavirus – there is no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19)
• People impersonating healthcare workers, claiming to be offering ‘home-testing’ for coronavirus – this is a scam and these kits are not currently available to buy
• Emails saying that you can get a refund on taxes, utilities or similar - they are usually bogus and they are just trying to obtain your bank and personal details
• Fake products available to buy online that advise they can protect you or cure coronavirus - these will not help and are just designed to take your money
• Mobile phone applications that claim to give you updates on the virus but instead, they lock your phone and demand a ransom
• Calls from people purporting to be from your bank, or from the police, asking for your bank details over the phone
• People offering to do you’re shopping or collecting medication and asking for money upfront and then disappearing

Groups

Beware of scammers and fraudsters leaflet

Older People

BOGUS LIFELINE CALLERS

We have received reports of people locally, who are trying to scam the elderly/vulnerable by knocking on their doors and asking if they can check their Lifeline equipment.

On our welfare calls, we will reiterate that the customer is not to open the door to anyone they are not expecting and that no one is currently completing any visits to check Lifelines, even if a prior appointment is made.

Hints and Tips

To avoid becoming a victim of a scam, we’ve please follow our tips and advice below:

• Be cautious and listen to your instincts. Don’t be afraid to hang up, bin it, delete it or shut the door
  Take your time; don’t be rushed
• If someone claims to represent a charity, ask them for ID. Be suspicious of requests for money up front. Check with family and friends before accepting offers of helps if you are unsure
• If you are online, be aware of fake news and use trusted sources such as .gov.uk or NHS.uk websites. Make sure you type the addresses in and don’t click on links in emails
• Only purchase goods from legitimate retailers and take a moment to think before parting with money or personal information
• Know who you’re dealing with - if you need help, talk to someone you know or get in touch with your local Council on the numbers below
• Protect your financial information, especially from people you don’t know. Never give your bank card or PIN to a stranger

We know it can be difficult to know who to trust, and we hope this information helps you to feel more informed and more able to protect yourself against these types of scams.