Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Don’t fall for corona cons
“Lidl are giving away a £300 coupon for completing a short survey.” FACT: Fake! Beware of phishing messages sent via WhatApp. Always check a retailer’s main website rather than clicking a link.
MYTH: “The Army is making a giant lasagne at Wembley and delivering it to every home via drone.” FACT: This joke did the rounds via WhatsApp, but sadly for pasta lovers it’s not true.
Think before you like, comment or share online and use the SHARE checklist to make sure you’re not contributing to the spread of harmful content about coronavirus.
Rely on official sources for medical and safety information. Check the facts about the coronavirus on the NHS.UK website and GOV.UK. Headlines don’t always tell the full story. Always read to the end before you share articles on coronavirus.
Analyse the facts. If something sounds unbelievable, it might very well be. Independent fact-checking services are correcting false information about the coronavirus every day.
Watch out for misleading pictures and videos in stories about coronavirus. They might be edited, or show an unrelated place or event. Check to see who else is using the photo.
Look out for mistakes. Spelling and other errors might mean the information is false. Official guidance about coronavirus will always have been checked carefully.
Just take a breath – a moment – before you part with your money or personal information. It sounds simple - remember, there’s no rush.
Make sure you’re using the latest software, apps and operating systems on your phones, tablets and laptops, and update them regularly.
If you get an unexpected or suspicious email or text message, don’t click on the link or attachment.
Don’t be afraid to challenge anything you see as suspicious. It’s okay to refuse or ignore requests for your money or details if you think something’s not right – only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Remember – the police and banks will never ask you to withdraw money or transfer it to a different account. Neither will they ask you to reveal your full banking password or PIN.
You can check that requests are genuine by using a known number or email address to contact organisations direct. And if you think you have fallen victim to a scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.
EVERYONE’S looking for the latest information on health, and how to protect you and your family from the coronavirus in these uncertain times.