Scams advice during Coronavirus

April 22, 2020Parish ClerkCOVID-19, Police

When we contact you

If the NHS test and trace service contacts you, the service will use text messages, email or phone.

All texts or emails will ask you to sign into the NHS test and trace contact-tracing website.

If NHS test and trace calls you by phone, the service will be using a single phone number: 0300 013 5000.

All information you provide to the NHS test and trace service is held in strict confidence and will only be kept and used in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.

Contact tracers will:

call you from 0300 013 5000.
send you text messages from ‘NHS’
ask for your full name and date of birth to confirm your identity, and postcode to offer support while self-isolating
ask if you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms
provide advice on what you must do as you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus

Contact tracers will never:

ask you to dial a premium rate number to speak to us (for example, those starting 09 or 087)
ask you to make any form of payment or purchase a product of any kind
ask for any details about your bank account
ask for your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts
ask you for any passwords or PINs, or ask you to set up any passwords or PINs over the phone
disclose any of your personal or medical information to your contacts
provide medical advice on the treatment of any potential coronavirus symptoms
ask you to download any software to your PC or ask you to hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet to anyone else
ask you to access any website that does not belong to the government or NHS

For the full guidance/information please check the GOV.UK website – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works

Remember our advice

If in doubt use our own A, B, C of scam awareness:

A- Never Assume a caller, email or text is genuine.

B- Never Believe a caller, email or text is genuine.

C- Always Confirm by contacting a trusted number, family member, friend, your bank’s fraud department or the police to check if it’s genuine.

Remember Take Five as well

Stop – Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

Challenge – Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect – Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

Report scams at www.actionfraud.police.uk

Click here for PDF version of letter

Or read here.

Dear Kent Resident,

RE: Scams advice during coronavirus outbreak

Kent County Council Trading Standards are writing to you with regards to the coronavirus and how you can access support and safeguard yourself against scams.

It can be difficult to know who to trust at this time. Please be aware that not everyone is trustworthy and some people are taking advantage of the unusual situation we are facing.

Here are just some of the scams we are aware of, but please note that criminals come in all shapes and sizes and can contact you at the door, by phone, by post or online.

Beware of;

Miracle cures or vaccines for coronavirus – there is no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Home cleaning services.
People impersonating healthcare workers, claim to be offering ‘home-testing’ for coronavirus – this is a scam and these kits are not currently available to buy.
Emails saying that you can get a refund on taxes, utilities or similar are usually bogus and they are just after your personal and bank details.
Fake cures for coronavirus – there is no cure for Coronavirus at this time. These will not help and are designed to take your money.
New mobile phone applications that claim to give you updates on the virus but instead, they lock your phone and demand a ransom. The UK Government has launched a Coronavirus Information service on WhatsApp To use the free service simply add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started.
Your bank or the police will never ask for your bank details over the phone.
People offering to do your shopping or collecting medication and asking for money upfront and then disappearing.

Tips to avoid being scammed:

Be cautious and listen to your instincts. Don’t be afraid to hang up, bin it, delete it or shut the door.
Take your time; don’t be rushed.
Say no to ALL doorstep sales and requests for money, even if they claim to be from a charity. If possible, stay safe and don’t even open your door.
If you are online, be aware of fake news and use trusted sources such as .gov.uk or NHS.uk websites. Make sure you type the addresses in and 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.
Know who you’re dealing with – if you need help, talk to someone you know or report it to Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline – details are below.
Protect your financial information, especially from people you don’t know. Never give your bank card or PIN to anyone.

Contact information:

If you think you’ve been scammed, report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 where you can also get advice.
If you are in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.
Contact your bank if you think you have been scammed.

To learn more about different types of scams and how to protect yourself and others, visit KCC’s Coronavirus Scams and Guidance page or www.FriendsAgainstScams.org.uk and complete the free online training.

As a reminder, we would like to re-iterate the government and NHS guidelines about maintaining good hygiene; only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work, and stay two metres away from other people outside of your household.

It is particularly important for people who are over 70 and/or have an underlying health condition.

Kind Regards,

Steve Rock
Head of Trading Standards, Kent County Council

Read it. Share it. Prevent it.
#ScamAware #Coronavirus #KentTogether

More info, links and videos here