Warning over scam COVID messages
A local MSP is urging people in Perth and Kinross to be extra cautious when receiving and responding to emails and texts as scammers continue to try and exploit anxieties over the coronavirus pandemic for personal gain.
Alexander Stewart MSP says he has been contacted by several constituents who have received messages professing to be from the local health board or the government regarding the vaccination programme or the business grant/furlough scheme, and requesting personal information.
However, on closer inspection it is apparent the seemingly plausible messages have actually been sent by criminals seeking to acquire as much personal information about the recipient as possible to commit fraud.
Mr Stewart is now advising people not to click on links contained in messages that do not appear to be genuine and remember neither health boards nor governments would ever ask people to confirm their bank account details this way.
The Mid Scotland and
Fife MSP said:“These scams are utterly horrific and they display just how low these individuals are stooping to as they prey on people’s anxieties during a health crisis such as the one we’re all living through currently.
“Letters are being sent out regarding the vaccination programme or for grant applications, for example, so I implore our residents across Perth and Kinross to just ignore these fake texts or emails.
“We must make sure that all our family, friends and neighbours, especially the vulnerable or those not used to dealing with electronic communications, are absolutely made aware of what to look out for and are advised never to send any information requested or click on a link.
“Other emails and/or texts going round include those promising‘council tax reductions’, offering‘tax refunds’, or requesting contact tracing information, plus there have also been reports of fraudsters making calls pretending to be online retailers telling them their accounts have been blocked and requesting payment to have them reinstated.
“These are all immensely callous and highly dangerous practices and I would implore all my constituents to ignore these texts or emails and to just hang up on these calls.”