The Chronicle

Don’t fall for corona cons

- “If you go outside more than once a day, a £30 fine will be added to your mobile bill.” “If you’re entitled to free school meals, send your bank details to receive financial support.” “Hot drinks can help flush the virus into your stomach, where the aci

Although the Government has advised people to stay at home, you can go outside for food, health reasons or work (if you can’t work from home). Your mobile company wouldn’t be collecting a fine.

This is fake and you never need to send your bank details via text or WhatsApp.

This has been categorica­lly disproved.

Fake! Beware of phishing messages sent via WhatApp. Always check a retailer’s main website rather than clicking a link.

This joke did the rounds via WhatsApp, but sadly for pasta lovers it’s not true.

Make sure you’re using the latest software, apps and operating systems on your phones, tablets and laptops, and update them regularly.

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.

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.

Fraudsters have been taking advantage of the situation to try to trick people into spreading false informatio­n, and even parting with their bank details.

But it’s easy to stay safe by following a few simple steps.

From the rumour that 5G is causing Covid-19, to the myth that sipping water every hour stops you catching it, misinforma­tion is everywhere. Scams can pop up on your phone too, with fake texts supposedly from

So if you’ve been sent inforSee the SHARE checklist,

Digital Secretary Oliver

“Misleading claims about

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