Fraudsters and pervs cashing in
FRAUDSTERS are exploiting the pandemic, the Home Secretary said last night.
Priti Patel revealed that so far, victims have been tricked out of around £1.8million.
Conmen are sending out emails claiming to be from the Government. They offer tax refunds but victims who click on the links and enter bank details have their accounts looted.
Former Met Police cyber investigator Carl Wearn said: “Cyber criminals seek opportunities to use the confusion that vulnerable people have.”
Ms Patel also told how domestic violence has soared as the lockdown traps people with their abusers. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline reported a 120 per cent rise in calls in one 24hour period, she said.
Ms Patel yesterday announced a £2million campaign to help support those who are most at risk of domestic abuse.
She said: “To abusers, do not think that this is a time where you can get away with this.
“We will still arrest, we will still bring people into custody and we will still prosecute.”
The campaign logo is a hand print embossed with a heart – and people are being urged to show support by putting the sign in their windows.
But critics said the funding was inadequate.
Northumbria Police Commissioner Kim Mcguinness said: “We know our country is experiencing a hidden outbreak of abuse that follows in the tracks of the lockdown.
“Charities have been swamped with calls. My worry is that £2million is not enough.”
And Amanda Naylor, of kids’ charity Barnardo’s, said: “The coronavirus presents some serious issues. Ultimately, the most vulnerable will suffer.”