Covid 19 Scams
We encourage everyone to be extra vigilant of communications allegedly from or with links to the following organisations:
- World Health Organisation (WHO)
- Organizzazione mondiale della sanity (OMS)
- Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
- Global Health Centre welfare organisations
- Updates from Presidents of large global corporates
- Customer service teams of shipping companies
We advise to take extra care around any emails making reference to the Coronavlrus, especially when coupled with any of the themes below:
- Gov.uk tax refunds
- Mortgage/rent relief email
- Booking refunds
- Working conditions or policy ernes
- Services offering diagnosis
- Download links to track the virus via an Interactive map
- Campaigns raising money
- Money transfer requests to victims Of the virus abroad
- Information regarding hospitals in affected areas
- Parcel shipping cancellation
- Fraudulent websites selling CV-19 equipment
In the event that you do receive an email as described above, you should ensure that you:
- Do not enter or provide your credentials, usernames or password
- Do not click on any links
- Do not download or open any attachments
- Do not enable macros in attachments
- Do not reply to any suspicious emails
- Do not forward the email to other people such as family or friends
What are Online Scams
Online scams are different methodologies of Fraud. The main purpose of these types of scams is to capture personal information and where criminals persuade people to give them money. The most common online scams to look out for are:
Computer Viruses
You may be sent an email with an attachment which when you click on it will release a virus.
Criminals can then use this to take control of your computer, or the virus may scan your computer for personal information. It can also slow your computer down, send out spam email or delete files.You may even get a phone call from someone claiming to be from a well-known software company like Microsoft, saying there's a problem with your computer and needing to get access to your it, including your personal details.
Legitimate IT companies never contact customers in this way. This is a common phone scam - hang up straight away.
Online Shopping
Be careful when entering credit card details and personal information online
Fake Websites
Scammers can create fake webs ites which look official requesting you to provide personal or financial information. For example, a fake bank website may be set up asking you to update your account or security information. Often they will look very similar, and only a few tiny details may be different.
Email Scams
Scammers will send bogus emails in the hope that people will enter their personal details. They may direct you to a fake website, trick you into thinking you've won a lottery or prize. Some emails may also have a link or file attached for you to click on or open. These are sometimes called spam or junk emails. Opening these links or downloading the files may be harmful to your computer. If you see a suspicious email, don't reply with your details or open any links or documents. Delete the email straight away.
Relationship Scams
Scammers can use social networks such as dating websites or chat rooms. Once they've gained your trust, they'll start asking you for money, often by telling you an emotional story. Never send the person money or give them your account details. If you arrange to meet, make sure it's in a public place, tell someone else where you're going and don't give away information too quickly.
Health Scams
False and misleading claims may be made about medical-related products. such as miracle health cures, and fake online pharmacies may offer medicines cheaply. However, the actual medicine delivered to you can turn out to be poor quality, and even harmful to your health.
If you think you may have been involved in a scam, please contact the police immediately
Call us now on
0330 123 0888
