Be aware of Coronavirus scams

 

Since February, Action Fraud has received 107 reports of Coronavirus-related scams, with innocent people losing a total of £970,000.

There has been a 400% increase in reports during March as the situation worsens.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert, said: “Fraudsters will use any opportunity they can to take money from innocent people.

“Always be cautious online and follow the latest advice from Gwent Police to avoid becoming a victim of an online scam.”

The Gwent Police Cyber Security Team have highlighted the most common scams which include:

Online shopping: People have ordered protective face masks, hand sanitiser and other products that have never arrived. Carry out research on websites you don’t know before completing a purchase. If you decide to go ahead, use a credit card as most credit card providers insure online purchases.

Phishing emails and texts: Claiming to be from organisations such as World Health Organisation (WHO), HMRC, Netflix, Amazon, Local Health Boards and local councils. These emails/text messages could contain malicious links and attachments which could lead to fraudsters stealing personal information, email logins and passwords, and banking details. Don’t click on links and attachments in emails, carry out your own research and never respond with personal or financial details.

Door to door testing kits: Suspicious callers are said to have been knocking on doors of elderly and vulnerable residents saying that they are health officials doing door-to-door testing. Do not answer the door to anyone you don’t know or anyone calling out of the blue. These tests are only available from the NHS.

False school meal messages: Some parents have received text messages and emails offering free meals which request bank details. These are not legitimate and you should not respond with any of your information.