It’s inevitable that unscrupulous people are already taking advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to scam people, and several scams have already been seen, so please take care and remember that not everyone is out to help you!
Infected People List
One of the first scams we’ve heard about is an email or social media posting claiming to have secret government lists of infected people
The scammers claim they can sell you a list of people near you confirmed as infected with the Covid-19 virus.
As there is no routine testing for the virus, and people with symptoms are being asked to self-isolate and only contact a doctor if their symptoms don’t clear up or get worse, there is simply no way a list could be made of infected people.
If you do receive a list of random names, they are literally just that, random names.
Special sprays or soap to kill the virus
As well as some people profetearing from the panic buying, there are a number of scammers selling “specially made” soaps, sprays or other products that can kill the virus.
The Covid-19 virus is not special, it can be killed by routinely used products. the government advice to wash your hands with soap and water regularly is sufficient for most people.
There is some news about a vaccine being tested, but again for most people it’s unlikely this will be required.
Other Scams
There are likely to be many more scams in the coming weeks, be vigilant and think before you click. The scammers will use any tricks they can to convince you they know something you dont.
Police Update
A new scam text that claims to be from the government
Please be aware there are more scam text messages going around purporting to be from UKGOV the pictures are examples of the messages being sent if you receive one please DO NOT open them or click on any links.
‘You have been out of your house 3 times today, you are in breach of Government Guidelines, your £30 fine will be automatically added to your bill‘.
‘We would like to inform you that you have been recorded as leaving your home on 3 occasions yesterday. A fine of £35 has been added to your gov.uk account. For further information please visit gov.uk/coronavirus-penalty-payment-tracking. Protect the NHS. Save lives.’
As you can see from the attached image the scam text is sitting in the same thread as the genuine UKGOV text so many people may get caught out by this.
The link goes to a fake website.
Another message with similar text states a much higher fine and gives an 0800 number, again do not click the link to that number as the message is fake.
There are likely to be many more of these over the coming weeks so please be vigilant.
Please can you share this with friends and family and stay safe from these awful scams.
Tina Fallon (Police , Engagement and Consultations officer, Wolverhampton Partnerships)
Neighbourhood Watch Alert & https://www.facebook.com/westmerciapolice
National Trading Standards
HMRC Refund Update
Fake text messages and emails claiming to be from HMRC offering a tax refund to deal with COVID-19
Fake emails claiming that you have a Tax Refund from HMRC have started circulating with reference to Covid-19.
HMRC Will never notify you of a refund in an email like this.
HMRC
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phishing-and-bogus-emails-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples/phishing-emails-and-bogus-contact-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples
Action Fraud Update
Frauds related to Covid-19
“Recently the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reported a new trend in fraud related to Coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Updated figures show there have been 105 reports to Action Fraud since 1 February 2020, with total losses reaching nearly £970,000.
The first report relating to Coronavirus, or COVID-19, was received on 9 February. There were 20 more reports that month. Since then, there have been 46 reports between the 1 March and 13 March, and 38 reports in just four days (14 March – 18 March).“
Read the full report here: ActionFraud
Action Fraud 20/03/2020
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/coronavirus-related-fraud-reports-increase-by-400-in-march?fbclid=IwAR3xUyFbyWtRT-ZKw5r4IBr94nPY6CiWnUH0wPumXdMZW_pYErcbkDL2Z7g
West Midlands Police Update
Doorstep Scams
“In light of the current concern facing the UK there has been reports of individuals taking advantage of the situation knocking doors pretending to be Police officers and health officials with the intention of gaining entry and burgling the home.
Tactics include the criminals offering fake Coronavirus testing kits and fake services to assist those unable to leave their homes. Things like offering to collect essential goods and prescription medicines.
Please be mindful of answering the door to unknown people, even if they appear to be officials and always ask to see their ID which a genuine Police employee or health official would have and be happy to show you.
If you have any concerns for your safety call 101, visit WMP online or of course if an emergency call 999.”
West Midlands Police 19/03/2020
https://www.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/da/315319
Action Fraud Update
Coronavirus scam costs victims over £800k in one month.
Since February 2020, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has identified 21 reports of fraud where Coronavirus was mentioned, with victim losses totaling over £800k.
Of the 21 reports, ten were made by victims that attempted to purchase protective face masks from fraudulent sellers. One victim reported losing over £15k when they purchased face masks that were never delivered.
Action Fraud 19/03/2020
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/coronavirus-scam-costs-victims-over-800k-in-one-month
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