Frauds and scams

Since the Covid-19 lockdown began there’s been an increase in attempted scams and data frauds which play on people’s natural concerns about Covid-19 and social distancing measures. It helps to make you, your family and vulnerable friends aware of these, so they can better protect themselves with some simple steps.

It is vitally important to stay vigilant to suspicious calls, texts and email claiming to be from us, one of our partners, your bank or even the Government.

Some of the most common scams that have appeared recently that are linked to coronavirus, include:

• The offer of a cure or vaccine for coronavirus (Covid-19) – there is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
• The Government, NHS, the police (or anyone else) asking for your bank details
• Covid-19 tax refund / rent refunds
• Offers of testing kits or protective equipment
• Being contacted by healthcare workers, claiming to be offering ‘home-testing’ for coronavirus – this is a scam and these kits are not currently available to buy
• New mobile phone apps offering updates on the virus but instead, they lock your phone and demand a ransom
• Calls telling you your internet has been hacked and you need to share your passwords
• Someone offering to do your shopping or collecting medication and asking for money upfront
• Doorstep or ‘cold-call’ offers of cleaning services – often offering to kill bacteria and help prevent the spread of the virus.

These texts, e-mails and calls will be unexpected so, even though they may seem genuine, treat them with caution. Think before you click. Always take time to talk to someone you trust. Don’t be pressured into giving anyone your bank details.

There are a number of safe and trusted sources of information about how you can stay safe online, such as (Information Commissioner’s Office); you can find the latest list of scams on (Safer Activities For Everyone); and how to protect yourself and others from being scammed (Friends Against Scams/National Trading Standards).

If you believe you have been a victim of a scam or someone has tried to scam you, you can find out how to report this at Action Fraud.  If you are concerned that you have been contacted by a scamster who is claiming to be us, you can contact us via our email at contactus@metropolitan.org.uk.