Cash point: Don’t fall victim to a pandemic con
From fake COVID19 vaccine offers to toogood-to-be-true deals on hot tubs, scammers have used the pandemic to find new ways to con us out of our money. Being aware and cautious is the key to reducing your chance of falling victim, says Jason Costain, Head of Fraud at NatWest bank. “You are now more likely to be a victim of fraud in the UK than any other crime,” he explains. “During last year’s lockdown, criminals took advantage of more people working remotely and online – and it’s still going on. It therefore makes sense to take some simple steps to make yourself and your family more fraud proof.”
Read on to discover the newest scams you need to be aware of.
WATCH OUT FOR BOGUS DELIVERY COMPANIES
We’ve all taken to online shopping during the lockdowns, buying paint for our latest home project, craft supplies for the kids or pretty loungewear – but be wary as scammers are taking advantage of us expecting more home deliveries than normal. “With more shopping taking place online, criminals have been using fake DPD and Royal Mail emails to collect personal information which they then use to commit further fraud,” explains Jason. “It is always worth looking at the email address the message from a supposed delivery firm originates from; does it look like a genuine email address? These types of emails vary, but will generally include a link where they will then ask for personal information such as your address, contact number and sometimes even bank details. Giving away even your telephone number can help fraudsters to get more information from you as they will then be able to contact you directly.”
QUESTION THOSE ENTICING ‘BARGAINS’
Sales of items like hot tubs and games consoles have soared in recent months, as has the demand for the purchase of family pets like puppies. “Criminals follow the trends and will offer goods for sale that are in high demand,” explains Jason. “Our customers have reported scams involving pets that don’t exist, as well as games consoles, mobile phones and even hot tub and camper vans advertised on places like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. If it looks too good to be true, it generally will be. If you see a good deal advertised via auction sites or on social media, be careful.
Ask for plenty of pictures of the item. Follow the payment advice on the website, ideally pay by MasterCard or VISA – or Paypal for eBay – and do not pay direct into someone’s bank account until you have taken delivery of the goods.”
IDENTIFY DODGY VACCINATION OFFERS
With the vaccine rollout happening quickly in the UK, most of us are keen to know when our name will be called – and fraudsters know this. “A phone call, email or text message is sent containing a link to a fake NHS website with an application form to register for the vaccine in an attempt to steal personal and financial details,” says Jason. “It will usually ask for various personal details and then bank details to ‘confirm your address’. This information is then used by criminals to target your bank account.” On the official NHS website, it states: “The COVID19 vaccine is free of charge on the NHS. The NHS will never ask for your bank details or card details, your pin or banking password or copies of personal documents to prove your identity such as your passport, driving license, bills or pay slips.”
DON’T FALL FOR TAX REFUND CLAIMS
“Criminals are bombarding inboxes with fake emails, texts and calls claiming entitlement to a support grant or tax-rebate due to Coronavirus,” explains Jason. “The aim is to get you to give them your personal details like your name, date of birth, address and sometimes even
your payment card details, which they then use to steal your money. Once criminals have your details, they will often call you, pretending to be from your bank’s fraud team, trying to persuade you to move your money to a ‘safe account’ or give away your card reader codes. Look out for spelling mistakes and poor grammar on emails, and always check the email address and also the links before clicking on them.” Report emails like this to report@phishing.gov. uk. If you get a weird sounding text asking you to call a number, check the gov.uk page which lists genuine HMRC contacts; gov.uk/guidance/check-a-list-ofgenuine-hmrc-contacts
AVOID ‘GET RICH QUICK’ OFFERS
With many of us worrying about our income at the moment, fraudsters are turning to enticing social media users with large amounts of money for a quick ‘job’. “There has been an increase in criminals trying to lure people into becoming money mules through ‘get rich quick’ job offers,” explains Jason. “Scammers often target people through social media offering large amounts of money to ‘borrow’ their bank account. This can either be through posts on Instagram or videos on Twitter. If someone offers you money to use your bank account, refuse and alert the police. The consequences of allowing criminals to pay money through your account can be life-changing and you may not be able to open a bank account again.”