Don’t let lockdown scammers fleece you

IN these uncertain times as millions of us lose wages in the coronavirus lockdown, there is one section of the community rubbing its hands with glee.

Online scammers are probably working harder than ever right now to try to tempt the hard-up and vulnerable into revealing crucial financial information.

So new research that suggests HALF of us have never even checked our credit reports is truly frightening.

As is the 70% who told credit data firm Experian they’ve never looked at their score.

Keeping a regular eye on this financial information can help you tell quickly whether crooks have got hold of your identity and confidential information – helping them to secure credit in your name.

James Jones, head of consumer affairs at Experian, says: “Scammers may try to cash in on the pandemic while people are more vulnerable, so it’s important we all remain vigilant.

“Look out for suspicious ‘phishing’ emails designed to trick us into revealing confidential information.

“Your identity and your credit rating are valuable assets. If a crook does secure credit in your name, you’ll be left to pick up the pieces.” Keeping an eye on your credit report might also do you some good – giving you opportunities to build your score, improving your financial options.

There are lots of myths around credit scores – so below James helps to dispel them and give you a better understanding of how they work.