Beware Covid-19 virus scams

FOLLOWING reports of Covid-19 related scams, Thames Valley Police is urging the public to remain vigilant against criminals using the publicity around the coronavirus as a chance to target their victims with fraudulent emails, phone calls, text messages or door to door services.

In a statement today, the police said: “We are encouraging residents to look out for their friends, family and neighbours. There are examples of communities working together to help local residents and we don’t want to discourage this so we ask that people consider the following advice to avoid falling victim to fraudsters, and protect yourself.

Door scams

“We are aware of people knocking on the doors of elderly and vulnerable people offering to shop or other services for them and then taking money without providing what they have offered.

• If you can only accept help from people you are familiar with or who can prove who they are.
• Do not hand over a bank card or large sums of cash to anyone on your doorstep.
• Please look out for your neighbours and family members who may not have access to social media and therefore will not be receiving this information.

Watch out for scam messages

“A number of online scams offering fake services are being reported nationally. Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for your personal or financial details.

Shopping online

“If you’re making a purchase from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first, and ask a friend or family member for advice 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 on how to shop online safely, visit: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/shoponlinesafely

Coronavirus Testing Kits

The police are aware that some may be trying to sell fake coronavirus tests, and warn: ” At this time the public are not being offered COVID-19 tests to purchase, and no companies have been deployed to carry out checks in homes or businesses; this will be a scam.”

If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber-crime, report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040