Bank’s investigator gets Frank about coronavirus fraud
Whether you’re a spender or a saver, there are benefits and downsides to all financial types. VICKY SHAW finds out more
ALTHOUGH the pandemic has united communities for good causes, it has also created opportunities for criminals.
To increase awareness of Covid-19-related fraud, Frank Anderson, inset – former policeman and now a fraud investigator at M&S Bank – is highlighting common tactics.
Frank says: “Knowledge is power and the more you know about the scams fraudsters might attempt, the better you’ll be at stopping them.” Here are Frank’s tips:
Scammers will exploit the demand for items like face masks and Covid-19 test kits, and selling fake or nonexistent products online. Only use websites you trust and be wary of requests to pay via bank transfer. Watch out for deals that are too good to be true.
Fraudsters have been targeting those who are vulnerable, offering to do their shopping or other odd jobs.
This may seem like an act of kindness, but they may take money or cards and never return. M&S’ ‘we’re all in this together e-gift card’ enables self-isolating customers, or their friends and family, to order a card for the shopper for use as payment in M&S stores, without the need for cash.
BUYING AND SELLING: DOORSTEP FRAUD:
This is when someone claiming to be from your bank says your account has been compromised and your money must be moved to another account.
Your bank will never ask you to move money to a ‘safe account’.
Beware anyone impersonating HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and offering goodwill payments to NHS staff. Never click links from sources you don’t know. Fraudsters may pose as people seeking investment for good causes – such as a cure for Covid-19 – offering high returns for those who hand over savings.
‘SAFE ACCOUNT’ SCAMS: NHS/GOOD CAUSE SCAMS: INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT PHISHING:
Be wary of unsolicited emails and calls offering attractive insurance or investment opportunities. Don’t reply or click on suspect links.
If your child is not at school but was entitled to free school meals, be alert to emails requesting your details to pay the money for their meals into your account.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS:
ALL of us have habits – and this applies to how we manage our money too. Whether our relationship with money is something we’ve picked up from our parents, or it’s been shaped more by our experiences in adulthood, attitudes to saving and spending differ.
TopCashback.co.uk has highlighted five different financial personality types. No one is perfect though – and even if you’re generally on top of money issues, there may be some aspects of your financial personality you could consider changing.
Here are the different personality types, plus some tips from Adam Bullock, UK director of TopCashback.co.uk...
SPENDERS
WITH household budgets currently under pressure, people inclined towards spending may find it hard to resist temptation. As a spender, parting with cash is easy, and you get deep satisfaction from doing so.
You won’t be too bothered about bargains or sales, but get excitement from having the latest gadget, car or clothes. Spenders are also generous with money when buying for others. If you’re a spender:
STOP: Always looking for what’s next. Appreciate what you already have. KEEP: Being generous with friends, family and charities. Many good causes need help now – and you could help without spending more money than you can afford. Perhaps do a sponsored activity to raise money for charity or donate time to helping a good cause.
START: Hey big spender, spend a little time setting yourself a budget. Put money aside regularly so you can still make purchases while setting aside a nest egg for the future.
SAVERS
SAVERS search high and low for a good deal and haggle their way to the best price possible. Anything deemed a risky investment won’t interest you, instead you prefer to watch your money build up.
If you’re a saver:
STOP: Sacrificing too much fun for the sake of a few pennies. Consider what your time is worth, not just the eventual saving.
KEEP: Being savvy, searching for the think and plan for the future and could be happy to take risks if it will eventually pay off.
If you’re an investor:
STOP: Saving just ‘for the future’. Set goals for the short, middle and long term so your investments can be aligned to these.
KEEP: Educating yourself and treating money as an asset.
START: Becoming aware of your behavioural bias that may be influencing your investment decisions – whether you’re a risk-taker or more risk-averse.
DEBTORS
THEY often spend more than they have, borrow money they may not be able to repay, or be broke way before the end of the month.
Making savings or investments does not come naturally, or perhaps circumstances are difficult.
If you’re a debtor:
STOP: Spending beyond your means. KEEP: Knowing that it’s OK to borrow money, but only if you can pay it back comfortably, without making your situation worse. Get help from a debt charity if you need to.
START: A plan to repay your debts. Many lenders are offering temporary payment freezes to people whose incomes have been hit by coronavirus.
But if your money problems don’t just relate to the coronavirus pandemic then you may need other forms of help. Contact your lender as soon as you realise you are struggling.
Set a monthly budget and see if you could save by switching energy providers. Cancel subscriptions you don’t use or could do without.
OSTRICHES
MAYBE you don’t think about money or material objects much. But some ostriches bury their heads in the sand to avoid difficult financial decisions.
If you’re an ostrich:
STOP: Avoiding the truth. Financial problems will get worse if ignored. KEEP: The attitude that money is not the be-all-and-end-all, but not if it’s an excuse for not having a grip on your financial situation.
START: Getting to know your finances – what you owe, what you can afford to repay, and what you can save each month.