Scammers are still attempting to defraud the public with messages themed around the pandemic. With the July 31 deadline for customers to renew their tax credits fast approaching, HM Revenue and Customs is warning of a rise in people being contacted by fraudsters purporting to be from the agency. In April, HMRC announced that those claiming Working Tax Credits would receive additional funds as part of a number of measures to support the country during the pandemic. Since then, there has been a rise in people receiving calls and texts claiming to be from HMRC asking for personal and financial details.
The counter-fraud trade body Cifas is reminding the public that organisations such as HMRC will never make unsolicited calls asking for personal or financial details, and that people can forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to [email protected] and texts to 60599.
The public in Scotland has reported receiving calls from fraudsters claiming to be local police officers investigating reports that they have been seen not wearing a protective face mask. Victims are then subjected to lengthy questioning with the aim of extracting as much personal information as possible that can be used for identity fraud.
Anyone receiving similar calls should hang up immediately and inform the police. Never share personal or financial information – no matter how legitimate the caller may appear to be.
Criminals continue to target the public with offers of fake government loans and grants. This week a number of people have reported receiving text messages purporting to be from the government encouraging recipients to apply for money under various COVID grant schemes. Victims are directed to a fake website where they asked to provide information including their bank account details and passport number which criminals then use to commit fraud.
Cifas is reminding people that the government will never ask for personal or bank details over text or email. Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of fraud should report it to their bank and Action Fraud at once.
With more people using internet platforms for shopping as a result of working from home, fraudsters are increasingly targeting platform users with phishing scams. People are receiving automated telephone calls claiming they have opened an Amazon Prime account. Those wishing to cancel are redirected to a fraudster purporting to be an Amazon call handler who informs them the purchase went through as a result of a ‘security flaw’ on their computer. They are then asked to then asked to allow the handler remote access to their computer, giving the fraudster the opportunity to steal personal information, such as passwords and bank details.
Anyone receiving an unsolicited call claiming to be from Amazon or any other platform provider should delete it, and never click on links or use contact details in messages. Check account details through the provider’s official website and only use contact details provided on the site.
Nick Downing, Chief Intelligence Officer for Cifas, said: ‘Criminals have been relentless throughout the pandemic in their pursuit of obtaining information from innocent members of the public to steal their identities and money.
‘Despite lockdown beginning to ease, it’s still important that we keep our guard up against scams. Stop and think before responding to unsolicited calls, texts or emails, and never be afraid to challenge requests for personal or financial information. If you do think you’ve been the victim of a scam then notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.’
A text message seen by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) claims that “crisis grants of £1,500 are now available for individuals who need support during the COVID-19 pandemic.” The message then links to a bogus government website, Trading Standards warns. Katherine Hart, Lead Officer at CTSI, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has been extremely challenging for businesses and individuals alike. While most of us are now out of lockdown, fraudsters are still using the situation to defraud the public.”
To report email scams, contact the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) by emailing [email protected].
