Campaigning to keep Surrey safe from scammers

As you probably know, since the outbreak of Covid-19, there has been an increase in cybercrime and fraud.

Like you, we’ve read and 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.
 
There have also been many cases of fraudsters going door-to-door of the homes of those who are isolated and living alone, to con them out of money.
 
Scammers show no mercy, often sounding very plausible. They act either solo or in gangs, and target the socially isolated, those who are older, sick or simply unaware. According to National Trading Standards, a shocking 85% of victims of doorstep scams are aged over 65.
  Our UK Contact Centre is open 24/7. Call Freephone 0800 555 111 or fill in our simple and secure anonymous online form right here on our website.

 

These are the types of doorstep scams to look out for:

• A stranger offering help with shopping or collecting medication: Fraudsters often claim to help shop for those who are housebound, but then pocket the money.
• Coronavirus testing kit: people claiming to be from the NHS promoting a door-to-door initiative to test individuals for Coronavirus. The NHS is not conducting random door-to-door testing for the virus.
• Gangs offering to `disinfect’ driveways, garages or cars – then charging massively over the odds.
• Selling fake or overpriced items to protect yourself, such as fake sanitizers or face masks.
• Fake charity collectors who take a donation and then pocket the cash.
• Intimidation used: banging on a door repeatedly, claiming to be Trading Standards, threatening arrest.

There are four simple steps that can help you to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime and doorstep scams:

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.
 
Check
Ask to see credentials and proof of identity from people at your door or online contacts.

Protect
Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud, which is run by the National Fraud and Cyber Reporting Centre – contact them online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
 

In an emergency or if you feel threatened, always call the police on 999.

And remember, if you have information about or know the perpetrators of any of these crimes, you can tell us any time of the day or night, and remain 100%  anonymous – guaranteed.
 
We have not broken our guarantee of anonymity in the 32 years since we were founded, and the only person who will ever know you got in touch with us is you.
 
No police, no courts – make one phone call or fill in our quick and easy online form here on our website and you’re done.
  Our UK Contact Centre is open 24/7. Call Freephone 0800 555 111 or fill in our simple and secure anonymous online form right here on our website.