Beware the coronavirus scams
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The coronavirus crisis is providing fresh opportunities for fraudsters to strike, particularly as people are now spending most of their time at home.
Whether it's con artists appearing on the doorstep and posing as good samaritans, or bogus emails and phone calls received while people work at home from laptops, criminals are cynically trying to cash in.
"Scams are among the most prevalent types of crime in the UK, so it is seriously worrying that coronavirus is creating a perfect environment for fraudsters and scammers to thrive using a range of loathsome tactics," says Kate Bevan, Which? computing editor.
"Help protect yourself by being extra cautious before clicking on any unsolicited emails and texts or answering calls. Make sure your computers, mobile phones and tablets are supported by the latest security updates, and consider installing antivirus software to minimise threats," Bevan adds.
Here's what's been happening and how you can protect yourself...
Browsing online
If you see an item you've been searching for is in stock online, it can be tempting to just snap it up. But before you click the buy button, bear in mind that Action Fraud says many reports are related to online shopping scams, where people have ordered protective face masks, hand sanitiser, and other products, which have never arrived.
More information on how to shop online safely is available on the website actionfraud.police.uk/shoponlinesafely
Police are also warning people to watch out for loan fraud, where 'fast loans' are offered and the victim pays a fee up-front after being told it is to cover insurance for the loan. But the loan never arrives.
Emails
Coronavirus-themed phishing emails are a real threat. They attempt to trick people into opening malicious attachments, which could lead to personal details, email logins, passwords and banking details being stolen. They may appear to come from credible health organisations and claim to provide the victim with information on active infections in their area.
Also beware of fake refund emails, whether it's a bogus email claiming to offer a tax refund from HMRC, or refund scams claiming to be offering money back for cancelled trips.
Meanwhile, some parents have also reported receiving bogus emails asking them to send their bank details in order to receive free school meals.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has also heard reports of fake apps, which claim to provide updates on coronavirus. They may contain ransomware, which upon downloading, locks the phone and displays a message demanding that the user pays up to unlock it.
Doorstep and street fraudsters
When people are home alone and family and friends aren't around, they may find themselves particularly vulnerable to approaches from strangers calling door-to-door. Beware of charity scams, where fraudsters pose as street fundraisers.
Another trick highlighted by National Trading Standards is criminals pretending they will do someone's shopping for them and disappearing with the cash.
People turning up on the doorstep may also offer fake items, with fake sanitisers, face masks and swabbing kits being sold door-to-door as well as online. And it's not just your cash that's at risk – these products can often be dangerous and unsafe.
Other scams
Criminals will prey on people's financial worries. With recent stock market volatility, many savers will have concerns about their pensions and investments. So watch out for fake offers of investment and trading opportunities to 'take advantage' of the downturn.
