RESIDENTS are being warned that fraudsters are taking advantage of the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic to scam vulnerable people.
Since February 2020, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has identified 21 reports of fraud where the virus was mentioned, with victim losses totalling more than £800,000.
Ten of these reports were made by victims attempting to buy protective face masks from fraudsters.
Some of the scam tactics have included:
Sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails in an attempt to trick people into opening malicious attachments or reveal sensitive personal details.
Impersonating the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Fraudsters claim to be able to provide the recipient with a list of coronavirus infected people in their area.
In order to access this information, the victim needs to click on a link, which leads to a malicious website, or is asked to make a payment in Bitcoin.
Selling unapproved and falsely branded products claiming they can treat or prevent coronavirus.
There are currently no approved vaccines or drugs available to prevent or treat the disease.
Creating web pages with coronavirus based domain names. These encourage Internet users to visit them, putting their computers at risk of viruses.
Cold calling residents offering ‘safe’ investments following falling share prices.
Taking advantage of vulnerable older people who are attempting to self-isolate. This may include offering to fetch shopping or carry out all household chores in return for cash or for divulging bank details.
Advice to residents:
Watch out for scam messages: Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and phone calls that ask for your personal or financial details.
Shopping online: If making a purchase from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first before completing the purchase.
If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one, as most major credit card providers insure online purchases.
For more information visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk/shoponlinesafely.