Fraudsters using pandemic for scams
of coronavirus-related phishing attempts aiming to trick people into opening malicious attachments which could lead to fraudsters stealing personal information, logins, passwords, and banking details.
Theseemailscanmimicthe CentreforDiseaseControland Prevention and World Health Organisation and contain linkstofakecompanywebsites where victims are encouraged to subscribe for further updates.
There have also been reports of phishing emails making tax refund claims.
These emails are often bogus and can be used to obtain your personal details. Other emailscamstryandtrickrecipientsintoopeningattachments claiming to have information about people in their local area affected by Coronavirus or other information.
Fiona Brown, executive director of Neighbourhoods at SunderlandCityCouncil,said: “While it is hard to contemplate that people would take advantage of vulnerable peopleatthistime–itdoeshappen and is increasing as people are doing more of their shopping and business online.
“Our advice is to never provide bank details or bank cards to anyone and seek any help you need from family and friends wherever you can.
“If this isn’t an option for you and you are self-isolating, helpisavailablefromtheCouncil’s COVID19 hub.
“If you think you may have been the victim of a scam like this, report it to us through the consumer helpline on 0808 2231133.”
Detailed counter fraud advice is available online, including from NEBRC, Scamsmart, ActionFraud, CIFAS, TakeFive, Citizens Advice, Trading StandardsandtheNationalCyber Security Centre.
You can report fraudulent activity to Action Fraud online at https://www.actionfraud. police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Toreportoffersoffinancial assistancefromHMRCcontact phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.