Scammers exploit the pandemic
16/11/2020
Trading Standards warn against unscrupulous individuals taking advantage of the current situation
Be on your guard against criminals and scammers exploiting the pandemic: that’s the warning from the Trading Standards team at Oxfordshire County Council. The warning comes after numerous reports of scams targeting people by email, text messages, and on the doorstep.
Recent scams include people offering miracle cures or vaccines for coronavirus, people impersonating healthcare workers and offering ‘home-testing’ for coronavirus, and people offering to do shopping or collect medication, asking for money upfront and then disappearing.
Another scam involves a new mobile phone app that claims to give updates on the virus, but instead locks the phone and demands a ransom.
Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “It is hard to believe that some people will look to take advantage of the situation our country is facing, but unfortunately this is a reality. Where possible, trading standards will pursue and tackle these despicable individuals, but preventing people becoming victims in the first place is key.
“Be a good friend; help protect your family, friends and neighbours from scams.”
Jody Kerman, Head of Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards, said: “Scams come in many different guises so, before taking any action or agreeing to an offer: Stop, ‘take five’, and discuss with a trusted friend or family member.
“The vast majority of people and organisations have the very best of intentions, to support residents at this difficult time. However, a small number are looking to take advantage of our good nature and charitableness.”
The advice is that whilst there are many genuine community efforts to help people, not everyone is trustworthy, and some people will take advantage of this unprecedented situation.
Tips to avoid being scammed:
- Be cautious and listen to your instincts. Do not be afraid to hang up, bin it, delete it, or shut the door.
- Take your time; do not be rushed into making a decision that you will probably regret.
- If someone claims to represent a charity, ask them for ID. Be suspicious of requests for money up front. If someone is trying to tempt you into accepting a service, they are unlikely to be genuine.
- Check with family and friends before accepting offers of help if unsure.
- If online, be aware of fake news and use trusted sources such as .gov.uk or NHS.uk websites. Type-out email addresses. Don’t click on links in emails.
- Only purchase goods from legitimate retailers and take a moment to think before parting with money or personal information.
- Protect your financial information, especially from people you do not know. Never give your bank card or PIN to a stranger.
- Know who you are dealing with. If you need help, talk to someone you know or use contact numbers provided below (scroll down).
How to check if Charity collectors are genuine:
- Check the charity’s name and registration number at gov.uk/checkcharity. Most charities with an annual income of £5,000 or more must be registered.
- Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information – it’s ok to decide not to give on the spot. Be wary of unsolicited emails from charities you have never heard of and be careful when responding to emails or clicking on links within them.
- Exercise the same caution as with any other internet transaction, for example, to donate online. Visit the charity’s own website and always type the website address into the browser yourself.
- Contact or find out more online about the charity that you’re seeking to donate to or work with, to find out more about their spending. Ask a trusted friend, neighbour or relative if you are unable to research this or need a second opinion.
- Ignore requests to donate through a money transfer company.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
