CENTRAL DEVON MP Mel Stride and Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez have issued a joint appeal to local residents to stay alert to coronavirus scams. Fraudsters have been using the pandemic to target vulnerable victims, such as pretending to be the NHS Test and Trace service or phoning people and telling them that it is now a legal requirement to purchase a supply of facemasks and then seeking their bank details.
Mr Stride, who has previously spoken with police officers at the Devon County Show (pictured) about protecting vulnerable people from scams, said:
“Many types of fraud are sophisticated and seem very real. If someone contacts you never give out your bank details or make a payment of any kind and never give out details of other accounts such as social media. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you into parting with money or personal information.”
Commissioner Hernandez
“If you think you’ve fallen for a scam it is really important you contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via www.actionfraud.police.uk. Many people don’t report scams because they feel embarrassed, but as Mel said – they can be very convincing and every scam that is reported makes it easier for us to crack down on the criminals and help protect others. if you’re in distress and want support you can also contact www.victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk where you can call or Webchat with someone 24/7.”
Citizens Advice is currently in the second week of a national Scams Awareness fortnight; for more information visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/sa20.
The Devon and Cornwall Police’s Cyber Protect Unit has issued the following advice:
Contact tracers will NEVER:
Ask you to dial a premium rate number to speak to them (for example, those starting in 09 or 087)
Ask you to make any form of payment
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
Ask you to purchase a product
Ask you to download any software to your device or ask you to hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet
Ask you to access any website that does not belong to the Government or NHS
The ONLY website the service will ask you to visit is: contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk