Be on your guard! New scams can still catch you out, How to prevent scams?

Three days before the Prime Minister announced lockdown in March, City of London Police were already reporting a 400% increase in scams because COVID-19 was creating an ideal environment for fraudsters to do what they do best – try and take your money!

It’s important to be aware of the many new scams around at the moment because of coronavirus. With so much personal information out there, scammers are using the opportunity to play on your uncertainty. It’s crucial to know what kind of scams are happening, how to recognise them and report them.

What to look out for:

Phishing – these are emails and SMS messages that include links to websites where you are asked to put in your details. These could be login details, personal information or bank details. These may also appear to be from a government department or even the NHS.

This kind of scam may also consist of an unexpected visit to your door, with a person offering to do grocery shopping for you, or to get you cash, which would mean handing over your bank card and PIN.

How to spot – If it is an email, the first thing is to look at what’s in the email. Real organisations will not normally send you a URL link to click on and if you are a customer of the organisation, the email won’t address you with ‘Dear Customer’ or ‘Hello Client’, the email will greet you with your name. Scammers, who write these emails, aren’t always English native speakers, so look out for poor spelling, strange phrases and incorrect spacing.

If you receive emails or texts about coronavirus from someone you don’t know, or from an unrecognisable email address, don’t click on any links or purchase anything. Don’t give money or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust – for example, someone who knocks on the door and offers to help. Communities are coming together to help those most vulnerable during these times; be sure to make arrangements first and know who’s coming to your door. 

How to prevent scams. Other types of scams that are happening at the moment include the following:

• Fake lockdown fines. Do not fall for a bogus text or email message stating you have been fined for stepping outside during the coronavirus lockdown. The scam message claims to be from the Government, telling the recipient their movements have been monitored through their phone and they must pay a fine or face a more severe penalty.
• Free school meals. The Department for Education has issued warnings about a scam email designed to steal your bank details saying: ‘As schools will be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we’ll make sure you’re supported.’
• WhatsApp request to forward your code. A recent scam could grant hackers full access to your WhatsApp messages, photos and videos. Someone who knows your phone number could request to register your WhatsApp on a different device, and when a verification code is sent to you, the hacker will then message you to try and coax you into forwarding this on to them. They could then target your contacts with requests for money.

If you’ve been affected by a scam, how do you report it?

There are a few things you can do. Firstly, report it to Action Fraud. You can visit their website which is run by the City of London Police and is where they track and keep tabs on all the different kinds of frauds. You can use their online reporting tool to report the scam. 

Equally, you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

If you notice unknown activity on your bank or credit card statement, do speak to your provider immediately and they will be able to help and give you the best possible advice. 

For more information, go to Brighton Mortgage Broker – The Finance House

Finally, the FCA offers an information website where you can read more about spotting a scam as well as a section where you can report a scam.‘