Crimestoppers
Fearless - Our Youth Service
Covid-19 on and offline scams
Just like this virus, criminals are targeting the vulnerable.
Since the outbreak of Covid-19, there has been an increase in cybercrime and fraud.
Like you, we’ve read and anecdotally heard many stories. In the complex world of cybercrime hackers are preying on public fears around the virus. There has been an increase in scam texts and emails, where criminals send fake texts messages and emails appearing to be from a trusted source.
Whilst offline people are trying to sell fake virus tests, ‘disinfect’ driveways and are even impersonating police officers to charge unsuspecting members of the public fines for not following social distancing protocol!
Whilst we can’t take information from you if you are a victim of fraud we do urge everyone to Take Five to Stop Fraud. Led by UK Finance, Take Five is a national campaign that offers advice to help everyone protect themselves from preventable financial fraud.
Stop
Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
Challenge
Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect
Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
Action Fraud is run by the National Fraud and Cyber Reporting Centre – contact them online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
If you live in Scotland, you should report to Police Scotland by calling 101 or contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.
If you know the perpetrators of any of these crimes and want to stay anonymous tell us what you know.
To be kept updated on the latest Covid-19 scams visit Action Fraud here.
Learn more about doorstep crime and the signs to spot here.
For further prevention advice and victim support:
Like you, we’ve read and anecdotally heard many stories. In the complex world of cybercrime hackers are preying on public fears around the virus. There has been an increase in scam texts and emails, where criminals send fake texts messages and emails appearing to be from a trusted source.
Whilst offline people are trying to sell fake virus tests, ‘disinfect’ driveways and are even impersonating police officers to charge unsuspecting members of the public fines for not following social distancing protocol!
Whilst we can’t take information from you if you are a victim of fraud we do urge everyone to Take Five to Stop Fraud. Led by UK Finance, Take Five is a national campaign that offers advice to help everyone protect themselves from preventable financial fraud.
Stop
Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
Challenge
Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect
Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
Action Fraud is run by the National Fraud and Cyber Reporting Centre – contact them online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
If you live in Scotland, you should report to Police Scotland by calling 101 or contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.
If you know the perpetrators of any of these crimes and want to stay anonymous tell us what you know.
To be kept updated on the latest Covid-19 scams visit Action Fraud here.
Learn more about doorstep crime and the signs to spot here.
For further prevention advice and victim support:
- Download ‘The Little Book of Scams’ by The Metropolitan Police
- Download Victim’s Supports: Coronavirus: Scammers and fraudsters - Advice for individuals
- Visit Friends Against Scams, which is a National Trading Standards Scams Team initiative, which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering people to take a stand against scams.
- Parents can download online safety worksheets from Thinkuknow, which is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command.
- Learn more about the different types of scams and what you can do through our friends at Neighbourhood Watch
