Author Topic: Covid related Scams  (Read 11286 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #15 on: April 29, 2020, 11:07:08 am »
Coronavirus fraudsters create fake NHS website to scam people worried about Covid-19
The fake website has been set up to steal personal details from unsuspecting victims

A fake NHS website has been set up by scammers targeting people worried about the coronavirus outbreak.

Callous fraudsters are targeting people who are searching for information online about Covid-19, with personal details being stolen from unassuming victims.    Police have warned members of the public to keep an eye out for the scam.

"The website includes harmful links that lure people who are after looking for COVID-19-related health tips.
"Once you click on one of these links, a pop-up box appears asking if you want to save a file called ‘COVID19’.

"If saved, your device is infected with malware which can steal passwords, credit card data, cookies from popular browsers, cryptowallets files and screenshots.

"Please remain vigilant to online fraud, if something doesn’t seem right, ‘Stop. Challenge. Protect’."
REF DP

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #16 on: April 30, 2020, 11:20:21 am »
Warning over 'free money' scam
Residents and businesses in Carmarthenshire are being warned not to respond to messages from a fake company offering grants of up to £2,000 on Facebook.

Scammers claiming to be from a business called DFID are targeting social media accounts, offering "free money" to help people who are experiencing difficulties as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

People are asked to give personal details, with some also receiving phone calls from the fake company.      ref BBC


Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #17 on: May 01, 2020, 11:27:56 am »
10 lockdown scams you urgently need to be aware of
Scammers are using the Covid-19 outbreak to con people out of cash - here's what you need to look out for.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/10-coronavirus-scams-you-urgently-18171186

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #18 on: May 09, 2020, 10:31:30 am »
The public have been warned to stay vigilant to criminals selling fake coronavirus-related products.

The Local Government Association said some councils have seen a "significant surge" in reports of scams by those seeking to exploit virus fears.

More than 500,000 sub-standard masks were seized by a London council, while other criminals have attempted to trick people into giving personal details.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52595925

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #19 on: May 12, 2020, 04:07:13 pm »
A bit of fun..........

Tiny Tim speaking to a scammer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCv_vTIS4ZU

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #20 on: May 14, 2020, 10:20:14 am »
Police have received more than 70 reports of a new fake TV licence scam within a week.

The phishing scam comes in the form of an email mimicking the style of the TV Licensing Company.
The email claims that the recipient's direct debit has failed and they have to pay immediately to avoid prosecution.
Victims are also told that they are eligible for a " Covid-19 personalised offer" of six months off their annual bill.

The scam, which addresses the recipient as 'dear customer', says: "Oops! Something went wrong with your payment", and warns that without payment by a specific date the licence will be cancelled.

Fraudsters then direct their victim towards a link to claim their offer and pay their outstanding balance.
The link directs them to a genuine-looking website that is designed to steal your personal and financial information.
How do I know if its a scam?

Scammers will try to disguise their email address because they don't have a genuine TV Licensing one.
Official TV Licensing emails will always be from donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk.

Suspicious emails will often be replicas of real correspondence, though amended slightly.

An Action Fraud spokesperson said: "Always be suspicious of unsolicited emails that are supposedly from your bank or another trusted organisation because the address can easily be faked.

"Never automatically click on any links they contain. Instead, perform some simple checks for telltale signs that an email might be a scam such as if it includes spelling or grammatical errors, or if it addresses you as 'customer' rather than using your proper name.

"If the email is implying a sense of urgency, asking you to act immediately, take a moment to pause and consider your actions.

"If you are unsure about the origin of an unexpected email, contact the organisation on a known phone number or via their official website instead."              ref DP

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #21 on: May 22, 2020, 10:31:53 am »
North Wales Police are warning people not to be taken in by a scam offer of free pizza.

A text message promotion currently circulating tells people they could be in for a free meal from Domino's.

It claims: "Domino's is giving away two free large pizzas per family to everyone this week to support the nation during Corona Pandemic."

But North Wales Community Safety Central warned on their Facebook page: "If you receive a text message like this, claiming Domino's are giving away free pizza, please don't click the link. It's a scam."    ref DP


Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #22 on: May 28, 2020, 02:03:19 pm »
A WARNING to beware of cold callers offering protection from Coronavirus has been issued.

Conwy County Borough Council Trading Standards are warning residents to watch out for cold callers visiting houses and offering to do jobs.

Elderly and vulnerable residents have had people knocking on their doors offering to carry out gardening work and clean roofs for a cost of between £700 and £1,500.

The callers have told householders that the chemicals used to clean the roofs could also help prevent Covid-19.

Fortunately, on all occasions reported to Conwy’s Trading Standards officers, neighbours have stepped in, and been able to prevent anyone from falling victim to these uncaring scammers.

The trading standards team urges all residents to be vigilant when receiving unexpected knocks at the door, and to watch out for their neighbours when what could be unscrupulous traders are calling offering to carry out emergency repairs.

Cont   https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18481093.warning-elderly-vulnerable-people-targeted-cold-callers-conwy-offering-protection-coronavirus/

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #23 on: June 22, 2020, 11:19:03 am »
People are being warned to be on their guard against scammers posing as NHS contact tracers.

Local councils in England and Wales have issued alerts following reports of bogus calls and messages asking for money to cover the cost of coronavirus testing kits.

Official tracers will never ask for payment of any kind or bank details.

The test and trace system is part of the government's efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus, with contact tracers getting in touch with those who have had recent close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

However, a number of fraudsters are using this to their advantage and posing as contact tracers to deceive people into parting with money or personal details.         ref  BBC

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #24 on: July 23, 2020, 03:58:55 pm »
A North Wales GP has issued a warning about a scam involving the flu vaccination programme.                           ref DP

Dr Dylan Parry has taken to Twitter to warn that criminals are trying to scam money from unsuspecting victims as the winter programme approaches.

In a post, he said: "If you are contacted by an individual offering to add you to a flu vaccination priority list, in return for a fee, it's a scam.

"Please terminate the phone call and don't provide any of your details.
"It's happening in our area."

The vaccination programme has taken on even more importance this year as medics fear a second wave of coronavirus combined with a bad flu season could wreak havoc on the NHS.

The Welsh Government said they would be launching a campaign in the hope that as many people as possible get the vaccine this year to assist the NHS.

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #25 on: October 07, 2020, 10:13:56 am »
The public are being warned of a scam that is exploiting the coronavirus contract tracing system.

It was revealed as early as May that fraudsters were using the cover of the government's Test and Trace platform in a bid to targeting vulnerable people.
The system - also known as Test, Trace and Protect - was also the subject of a warning by Martin Lewis.

And now the official Test and Trace app has finally launched in Wales and England, it seems that the scammers have returned.
That's according to several posts on social media recently which recommend remaining vigilant.
These have been shared by a number police forces in the UK and explain what the scam involves.

The posts state that fraudsters have contacted people by phone pretending to be contact tracers.
They inform the victim that they're a "contact" and must self-isolate for 7 days as a result of this.
The potential victim is then told that they must take a coronavirus test which will cost them £50.


The call recipient is subsequently asked for a mailing address as well as details of a payment card.
The fraudsters then exert pressure by stating that there are "penalties for not complying".

Genuine contact tracers would not ask for card details or any other sensitive personal information.

A spokesperson however reminded that the app only launched last week so data isn't available yet.
Action Fraud is aware that fraudsters may be "taking advantage" of "the NHS Test and Trace system".


This includes noting that contact tracers call from 0300 013 5000, in England, and 02921 961133, in Wales.
Local contact tracers may also call from a local council number, though this varies per circumstance.


Anyone who doesn't wish to talk over the phone can actually request them to send an email or test instead.
In this scenario, they'll be asked to sign into the contact tracing website with a unique reference number.
Action Fraud has further stated that contact tracers will never:

ask you to dial a premium rate number (e.g. those starting 09 or 087)
ask you to make any form of payment or purchase a product
ask for any details about your bank account
ask for your social media identities or login details
ask you for any passwords or PINs
ask you to set up any passwords or PINs over the phone
ask you to download any software or ask you to hand over control of your device
ask you to access any website that does not belong to the government or NHS
If you think you've been a victim of fraud, you should report it to Action Fraud.

This can be done on its official website or by calling 0300 123 2040 - and by 101 in Scotland.

Find out more about contact tracing through the UK Government and the Welsh Government.

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #26 on: December 04, 2020, 02:17:46 pm »
Royal Mail scam could steal your bank details this Christmas

"The scam involves recipients receiving either a text message or an email that appears to be from Royal Mail.

The message states that there was an attempt to deliver a parcel made, and you are instructed to click a link in order to reschedule the delivery.

The link will then direct you to an authentic looking website, which asks for your full name, address, date of birth and mobile number.
Once you’ve completed this form, you’ll then be prompted to enter your card details, which the scammers can use to access your bank account."

more https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18920607.royal-mail-scam-steal-bank-details-christmas/

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #27 on: December 29, 2020, 03:16:12 pm »
Police are warning people to be vigilant with news of a coronavirus vaccine scam by fraudsters.

Elderly people are being targeted according to reports received by North Wales Police.

The service tweeted on Tuesday morning: "We're aware of a scam involving fraudsters contacting elderly victims, telling them someone is coming to their home to give a COVID-19 vaccination.

"The NHS will contact you when it is your turn, you won't be asked for payment and the vaccine won't be administered at home."

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #28 on: January 03, 2021, 09:48:32 am »
North Wales Police warn of scam targeting people desperate for Covid vaccine
Criminals are laying traps for those who are waiting for the phone to ring with a vaccination offer

Police in North Wales are warning of a new scam that takes advantage of people’s anxiety to get their Covid-19 jabs.
Trading Standards officers across the UK say people are being contacted out of the blue with offers of a coronavirus vaccination.

The message is delivered by text or via a voice recording on the telephone.

Recipients are asked to respond by clicking a link in the text message – or by pressing 1 when receiving the call.

Doing so is likely to result in a large phone bill.


In other cases, callers are offering the vaccine for a fee or asking for bank details.

What may make the scam so effective is government messaging over the need for people to await their vaccination booking by telephone.

North Wales Police urged people – particularly the elderly – to be alert for the ruse.

more  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-police-warn-scam-19536092

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid related Scams
« Reply #29 on: January 07, 2021, 10:06:42 am »
Another Police warning..............

Police issue warning over fake NHS coronavirus vaccine scam texts
Messages telling people to add in their bank details before applying for the jab have been circulating

North Wales Police have issued a warning after reports that people have been receiving fake text messages telling them they're eligible to apply for a Covid-19 vaccine.

The message is designed to look as if it comes from the NHS and reads: "We have identified that you are eligible to apply for your vaccine.
"For more information and to apply follow here: uk-application-form.com"
The link then takes you to what appears to be an NHS page where it offers you the options to put in your sort code, account number and long card number.

It states that the information is used to verify your billing address but says that no payments are taken from the card.

North Wales Police put out a warning on their social media pages warning people not to put in any details if they receive the message because it is a scam.
If anyone does receive the text message they are asked to send it on to 7726 free of charge.             ref DP