CT YOUR CASH DURING PANDEMIC
How to stay on your guard against crooks
Fraudsters will try every which way they can to trick you. They are currently preying on our concerns and confusion during the crisis.
Holiday scams
Thieves are taking advantage of the uncertainty around travel restrictions, cancellations and the easing of lockdown.
Banking industry groups say scams currently doing the rounds include fake caravan and motor home listings, dodgy refund offers and travel deals with fraudsters impersonating trusted organisations such as airlines, travel agencies and banks.
Tips
■■Be wary of offers which appear too good to be true
■■Always double check a person or firm is who they claim to be before paying for anything. Use trusted numbers to contact travel firms around refunds and bookings
■■Use cards when booking online and be wary of being asked to transfer cash directly into someone’s account
■■Don’t be rushed
Money Transfers
Crooks make calls claiming to be from your bank asking about suspicious payments on your account, saying you must move funds to a
“safe” account.
Tips
■■A bank or another financial firm would never ask you to move money to a safe account
■■End the call and contact your bank immediately on a trusted number – the one on your bank statement, its website, or the back of your debit or credit card
Impersonation
Keep safe when online it usually is
■■Thieves can easily set up fancy looking websites. But just because it looks official and professional does not mean it is reputable
■■Always check an individual or firm is regulated
Thieves will impersonate anyone from your bank, credit card firm, energy provider or broadband supplier to, mobile phone company, the police, taxman and government departments, to try and lure you into giving out personal information. They want to steal your identity, or give them access to your bank account, credit card or to hand over cash.
Tips
■■If you get contacted out of the blue be very wary – and don’t give out any personal details
■■Banks and financial firms will never ask you to reveal full passwords or PINS
■■Don’t believe anyone is who they say they are without double checking first. Don’t be afraid to put the phone down if something doesn’t feel right or you have any concerns. Your real bank or financial firms would rather you did this than be conned
■■Don’t allow someone who has contacted you out of the blue remote access to your computer
■■Never sign in to online banking while someone has remote access to your computer
■■If you are asked to pay cash upfront to get access to loans, investments or your own money don’t do it
Investments and pensions
There are big sums on offer from pension pots and they offer easy cash for thieves. Typically they will contact you offering a free pensions review, an investment opportunity that offers better returns than your current scheme or the chance to access funds early or without paying tax.
Tips
■■Reputable pension firms do not contact you out of blue offering a free savings review or a chance to access your funds early
■■Be very wary of “limited time only” offers where you are being pressurised into making a quick decision
■■Investments with guaranteed high returns should set alarm bells ringing. Again, if something sounds too good to be true,
Social Media Posts
Fraudsters know people share good offers and deals with friends and family via social media so they are trying to get in on the act. Be wary of posts and advertisements offering knock-down prices on goods, especially those in short supply, like anti-bacterial wipes and spays, masks and gloves.
Tips
■■Be wary, even if something is forwarded to you by a trusted friend. They can get caught out by fraudsters too
■■Don’t click on links and sign up to sites you haven’t thoroughly checked. A bit of time spent researching and checking something is genuine could save you a lot of cash and heartache
■■Always ensure the page hosting the advert is the official corporate page of the company in question