BEWARE OF SCAMMERS

BEWARE OF SCAMMERS

Neil Hamilton, AM for Mid & West Wales, and Leader of UKIP Wales is urging people to beware of fraudsters during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Mr Hamilton, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, is backing a warning from the Local Government Association.

The LGA, which represents councils across Wales and England is concerned fraudsters are playing on the fear created by Covid 19 and the need for the elderly and vulnerable to reduce social contact.

Mr Hamilton said:

“Whilst the current crisis brings out the best in most people, sadly there are those who see it is an opportunity to take advantage of others.  Please will everyone be extra vigilant.

“Councils all over Wales have already seen a number of Coronavirus related scams and the elderly and vulnerable are particularly at risk.

“The scams range from people cold calling, offering to do shopping or collect prescriptions, emails to families asking if they are entitled to free school meals to scams offering vaccination kits, testing kits and bogus medical advice. 

“If you receive a message asking for any personal or bank details you should delete it immediately.  It will be fraudulent. Do not, under any circumstances, send any personal details if you receive an unsolicited email.

“It is vitally important to remember not to accept services from strangers who ask for cash upfront or a credit card pin. During this difficult time, when so many people are self-isolating it is hard not to accept help from others but we all need to be on our guard.”

The LGA has warned elderly and vulnerable residents self-isolating are at risk of being exploited by strangers and cold callers posing as helpful neighbours in order to scam them.

It is urging residents not to accept services from strangers or cold callers, whether in person, on the phone or online, who offer to run errands, collect prescriptions and do shopping and ask for cash upfront, or a credit card and its PIN.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has already identified dozens of reports of coronavirus-related fraud in which the victims have lost a total of £800,000. The LGA says that not only are those self-isolating at risk of falling victim to fraudsters who could simply take their cash and not return, but by letting people into their homes unsuspecting victims are also at greater risk of catching the coronavirus.

The LGA says that while the vast majority of concerned residents offering to help the elderly and vulnerable in their neighbourhood are genuine, well-wishers will have the most impact by turning their focus to helping their immediate neighbours or neighbours they already know. They can do this by making donations to food banks, or appealing to established services in their councils, the NHS or local charities.

Anyone who is stuck without food or medical supplies, or is lonely as a result of their self-isolation and does not have any friends and family or neighbours that they know in the area, should in the first instance contact their council.

As the fourth emergency service, councils are already working with voluntary and community groups, as well as newly established neighbourhood support groups, to identify where help is needed and the best, most secure route to providing this.

If you think you have been the victim of a scam, then speak to your bank immediately and report any fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

You can get further information on dealing with scams and fraud by calling the Consumer Service telephone number via 0808 223 1133, or contact Citizens Advice.

If you witness scammers in your area, or have any concerns, you should contact your local councils’ Trading Standards department.