Tips to stay safe after residents targeted in coronavirus scams
Consumer advice bosses have issued a series of safety tips after receiving complaints about coronavirus scams.
Citizens Advice managers inSunderlandandDurhamsay residents have been targeted withfaketextmessages,emails and web links masquerading as official Government advice.
The scammers are ultimatelyseekingthebankdetails of recipients – many who have suffered benefit or job worries since the pandemic.
Among the other current scams are:
Fake emails offering funding to families who normally rely on free school meals;
Fake supermarket vouchers claiming customers have money-off;
Organisations selling fake medical products online;
Fraudstersposingasofficial workers requesting money to take away bulky items, which are later being fly-tipped.
Withresearchshowingthat more than half the population aged 65-plus have been targetedbyscammers,SusanWhite, the advice services manager at Citizens Advice Sunderland, hasofferedhertoptipstoavoid falling for their cons:
Speaktofamilyorfriendsif you are unsure;
Be suspicious and share your suspicions to avoid others being targeted as well;
Don'tclickonlinksinemails ortextmessagesunlessyouare sure that they are legitimate;
Never share your passwords or PINs with anyone;
If you are contacted and being offered a new financial entitlement like benefits then check with Citizens Advice first to see if it is genuine and if you are eligible.
Lewis Kirkbride, research andcampaignsOfficerforCitizens Advice County Durham, added: “At a time when people are worrying about their income, and hoping the Government will provide a financial safety net, an official-looking messageofferingfinancialhelp can be very tempting and convincing, especially when real news from the Government is coming thick and fast.
“Don’t feel under pressure to accept help, and don’t rush intoanything.Nobodygenuine will put you under pressure. If whattheyofferseemstoogood to be true, it probably is.”
Visit www.citizensadvice. org.uk for further information or contact local offices – Citizens Advice Sunderland Adviceline at 0300 330 1194 (Mondays-Fridays, 9am-4pm) or the Citizens Advice County Durham Adviceline on 0300 330 9027 (Mondays-Fridays, 10am-4pm).