Residents across Cheshire are being urged to be vigilant following an emerging national trend of fraudsters taking advantage of the current Coronavirus pandemic.
Nationally, there have been reports of people visiting homes posing as police officers and health officials in a bid to gain entry to homes of the elderly and vulnerable.
Some reports suggest scammers are even promising fake coronavirus tests or offering to deliver shopping and other essentials in exchange for money to assist those who are self-isolating.
Whilst there have been no specific reports within the county residents are urged to remain vigilant and be on their guard.
Police and crime commissioner David Keane said: “It is despicable that fraudsters are exploiting this public health emergency and targeting the most vulnerable people in our communities at a time when they are more vulnerable than ever.
“Police in Cheshire are continuing to work hard to keep us safe in these uncertain times and I would urge you to follow the key scam advice below to help you stay safe in your homes.”
Key advice •Police officers will never approach you to take a Coronavirus test. •If someone knocks at your door, always examine and check their identification. If you are unsure please call the organisation or company they are claiming to work for. If they are genuine they will not mind. •You do not have to let them in and they must leave if you tell them to. •Never let anyone in your house unless they are someone you know and trust. •If someone is trying to rush you into doing something, handing over money or taking a test it is likely that they are involved in a scam. •Never give money or your card and pin number to anyone. •Be aware that scammers can be clever, they will have done their homework and will often know a lot of information about people they target. Often they are very organised. •If you believe that you have been victim of fraud call us on 101 or report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Message Sent By Caroline Tozer (Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, Communications Officer, Police and Crime Commissioner)
Detectives Issue Warning Following Recent Spate In Telephone Scams Across Cheshire
Detectives are issuing an urgent warning to the public after a recent spate in telephone scams which have left Cheshire victims without thousands of pounds.
Officers are continuing to see cases of courier fraud, this scam is mainly committed by organised crime groups (OCGs).
A member of the OCG, known as the ‘victim communicator', makes a phone call to vulnerable victims telling them that they are a police officer or work at a bank.
They persuade the victim to co-operate with an ‘operation’ designed to gather evidence or identify offenders responsible for fictional offences.
The victims are asked to withdraw money from their bank, purchase an expensive item and/or provide their bank details or card to assist with the operation.
Money, items or documents are then handed over to the ‘courier’, who attends the address of the victim or meets them nearby, on the promise that the money or item will be returned or compensation provided.
Cheshire Constabulary are now urging others to be aware of these scams and alert vulnerable neighbours or family.
Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques from Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit said: “These fraudsters are extremely convincing and can be very persistent especially when targeting vulnerable victims.
“Police officers, banks and other such services will never ask you to withdraw money or provide card details so please do not be taken in by these scams.
“It is important to remember that telephone numbers can be easily spoofed and you should never trust a number displayed on your telephone.
“They may also attempt to ask victims to call back on 999, 101 or 161 to verify that they are genuine but this is part of the scam and they keep the line open so that the victim continues speak with the scammers believing that they are genuine officials.
“Anyone who is receiving calls asking for money to be withdrawn and handed over to a courier should call 101 or report it to Action Fraud.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “It is quite concerning that there have been more cases of fraud across Cheshire.
“Fraudsters will stop at nothing for their own criminal gain and I know that the force will continue to crackdown on the mindless scammers and do everything in their power to bring them to justice.
“I am urging residents to continue to inform family and friends about these callous scams to ensure that no-one else falls victim.”
Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call Cheshire Police on 101 and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Message Sent By Peter Caldwell (Police, Digital Media Manager, Corporate Communications)
Action Fraud Have Issued A Warning Following the Increase In Coronavirus-Related Frauds
Recently the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reported a new trend in fraud related to Coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Updated figures show there have been 105 reports to Action Fraud since 1 February 2020, with total losses reaching nearly £970,000.
The majority of reports are related to online shopping scams where people have ordered protective face masks, hand sanitiser, and other products, which have never arrived.
Other frauds being reported include ticket fraud, romance fraud, charity fraud and lender loan fraud.
Beware of phishing emails -
Action Fraud have received over 200 reports of coronavirus-themed phishing emails. These attempt to trick people into opening malicious attachments which could lead to fraudsters stealing people’s personal information, email logins and passwords, and banking details.
Some of the tactics being used in phishing emails include:
• Fraudsters purporting to be from a research group that mimic the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO). They claim to provide the victim with a list of active infections in their area but to access this information the victim needs to either: click on a link which redirects them to a credential-stealing page; or make a donation of support in the form of a payment into a Bitcoin account.
• Fraudsters providing articles about the virus outbreak with a link to a fake company website where victims are encouraged to click to subscribe to a daily newsletter for further updates.
• Fraudsters sending investment scheme and trading advice encouraging people to take advantage of the coronavirus downturn.
• Fraudsters purporting to be from HMRC offering a tax refund and directing victims to a fake website to harvest their personal and financial details. The emails often display the HMRC logo making it look reasonably genuine and convincing.
Graeme Biggar, Director General of the National Economic Crime Centre, said:
“We have already seen fraudsters using the COVID-19 pandemic to scam people looking to buy medical supplies online, sending emails offering fake medical support and targeting people who may be vulnerable or increasingly isolated at home.
“These frauds try to lure you in with offers that look too good to be true, such as high return investments and ‘healthcare opportunities’, or appeals for you to support those who are ill or bogus charities.
“The advice is simple, think very carefully before you hand over your money, and don’t give out your personal details unless you are sure who you are dealing with.
Protect yourself -
1) Watch out for scam messages
Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for your personal or financial details.
2) Shopping online:
If you’re making a purchase from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first, and ask a friend or family member for advice before completing the purchase. 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.
