Coronavirus scams

scam

People affected by dementia are particularly susceptible to so-called ‘coronavirus scams’. The Alzheimer’s Society have written a guide called ‘4 ways to spot a coronavirus financial scam and protect people affected by dementia’:

Here are four ways to avoid coronavirus scams

1. Be wary of fake online companies

There have been reports of people who have purchased protective face masks or coronavirus testing kits online that have then not arrived.

They were purchased from fraudulent sellers who have stolen money from the victims.

Tip: Check you’re buying from a real company.

You can search for a company’s details on GOV.UK. This will tell you if they’re a registered company or not. If you’re buying something on a site you haven’t used before, spend a few minutes checking it – start by finding its terms and conditions. The company’s address should have a street name, not just a post office box.

Check to see what people have said about the company. It’s worth looking for reviews on different websites such as www.which.co.uk as they don’t rely on reviews the company has put on its own website.

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.

Also, don’t rely on seeing a padlock in the address bar of your browser – this doesn’t guarantee you’re buying from a real company.

2. Learn how to spot a phishing email

Fraudsters are also sending out coronavirus-themed emails that appear to be from a legitimate company, government department, utility provider financial service.

They attempt to trick you into clicking on a malicious link in the email then ask you to provide sensitive information e.g. personal and financial details. This is known as ‘phishing’.

One common tactic used by fraudsters is to contact potential victims over email purporting to be from research organisations affiliated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

They claim to be able to provide the recipient with a list of coronavirus infected people in their area. In order to access this information, the victim needs to click on a link, which leads to a malicious website, or is asked to make a payment in Bitcoin.

Tip: Be careful where you click.

If you get an email from a company with a strange email address or one that has never emailed you before asking you for money/payment unexpectedly, don’t click on links to download anything. Doing this could infect your computer with a virus. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date to give you more protection.

There is also plenty of COVID-19 information available online from reputable sources, including:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

3. Stay safe from ‘do-gooders’ who ask for money upfront

Since everyone must now stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel, there have been reports of people using coronavirus as a guise to gain entry to homes and steal.

Whilst isolating, you may be approached by volunteers who you don’t recognise, offering to do your shopping for you. Don’t feel pressured to accept help from, or answer your door to, a stranger.

Tip: Remember it’s okay to keep the door closed to strangers.

Never hand-over money, bank details or bank cards to someone you don’t know who is offering to help you. Offers of help for most things should be free of charge, for example dog walking.

If someone offers to do your shopping, ask the person what organisation they are from. Make sure to request a receipt so that you can pay for the cost of the items once they have returned.

If someone claims to be from a recognised organisation, then don’t be afraid to ask to see proof (e.g. ID card) or check with the organisation itself.

If possible, call a friend or family member to let them know that someone has come to the house you don’t recognise and discuss the help you’ve been offered.

4. Keep away from bank or utility impersonators

There are reports of people receiving emails or phone calls claiming to be your bank or utility provider asking you to move money to another account, to make a payment or to provide personal or financial information.

Tip: Contact your provider to ask how they might contact you.

Check your bank or utility provider’s website or call them to see how your bank will and won’t communicate with you. For example, find out what type of security questions they’ll ask if they phone you. During this time you will notice that banks, utilities and other organisations are providing further support free to all customers.

Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime. You can sign up for email alerts about recent scams in your area – registering is free, simple and easy.