PANDEMIC SCAMS TO BEWARE OF

CRIMINALS are continuing their attempts to capitalise on the Covid-19 crisis. Here are some of the latest scams you may need to watch out for...

BOGUS JOB ADVERTS

THE Insurance Fraud Bureau says investigators have noticed fraudsters exploiting the jobs market to trick people into handing over personal details.

Notably, bogus delivery driver roles may be advertised online. Job seekers will be told they’ve been successful and then be asked to hand over their details.

But this enables criminals to steal their identities, and their insurance policy details may be used in ‘crash for cash’ scams – where criminals try to claim insurance money by fabricating road traffic collisions.

COVID-19 JAB SCAMS

SCAMS around vaccinations may start with a phone call, email or a text. People may be given a link to a fake NHS website with an application form to register for the vaccine. They may also be asked for various personal and bank details, or for money.

Action Fraud is reminding people that the vaccine is free of charge for everyone. The NHS will not ask you for bank details, or to pay for the vaccine.

Suspect emails can be forwarded to report@phishing. gov.uk and texts to 7726.

FAKE DELIVERY MESSAGES

SCAMMERS have been sending fake messages purporting to be from delivery companies, saying they were unable to leave parcels. People may be charged a fee for ‘redelivery’, then called by the criminals pretending to be from their bank, saying their account has been compromised. They may then be tricked into transferring larger amounts of cash to the fraudster.

PENSIONS AND INVESTMENTS SCAMS

SOME pension savers may be looking for ways to improve their returns and scammers will take advantage. Pete Glancy, head of policy, pensions and investments at Lloyds Banking Group, says people should “be on the lookout for ‘deals’ that promise high returns” as well as ‘limited time offers’ or ‘loopholes’ which are unlikely to be genuine.