COVID19 Scam Summary

Link to COVID-19 page	Link to NHW page

UPDATE 04 JUN 2020:

Track & Trace Scam

A phone call has very recently been received by one of our members who has reported this to their local coordinator.

The caller stated they were from the NHS track and trace service and according to their system the member had come into close contact with someone who had tested positive for Covid-19, therefore they needed to self-isolate for 7 days and take a Covid-19 test. (First mistake Isolation is 14 Days)

The member queried who this person was and advised this was confidential, but must take the test in 72 hours. The caller asked for the members address and this was provided and was then asked for a payment card and a one off fee of £500 (Second mistake, they will not ask for payment) as there are penalties for not complying.

Fortunately the member spotted this scam and hung up the phone.

It is important to note:

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 or 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

Guidance on NHS Track and Trace can be found here

See also Check your mobile phone for a Track and Trace API

UPDATE 18 MAY 2020: 

Virus Ventilation & Santiation due to Lockdown

Trading Standards have told us that some residents have been receiving phone calls from a company that are offering “virus ventilation and sanitation due to lockdown” on behalf of Bath & North East Somerset Council. The Council wishes it be known that the company, Pro Day UK, do not represent them so any calls from them should be considered as a scam.

Although this offence happened in the Bath area, similar attempts have been made in other parts of the country, so they may well start to try other regions of the Avon and Somerset police area including ours.

If you have any information regarding these incidents contact the Police on 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

UPDATE 06 MAY 2020: 

Facemask Scam

Trading Standards have told us that a number of residents have been called on their landline from a fake 01225 number, claiming to be from the Government. The automated voice said that the Government is instructing them to wear a facemask and to press a number on the keypad to make a purchase. Fortunately the residents have recognised this as a scam.

Although these calls were made to residents in the Bath area at present, it is likely that this will become far more widespread and will no doubt include our area. Please remain alert to any potential scam calls.

UPDATE 19 APR 2020 

Tesco Email Scam

We have been alerted by a Neighbourhood Watch scheme of a scam email that claims to be from Tesco saying that “You Are Our Winner”. It doesn’t say what you have won, but asks you to click on a link to confirm your identity. Please don’t click on these links as you may download a virus onto your computer. At the very least it will try and get your personal details. The email comes from a company in Kentucky in the United States.

As with any email you get unexpectedly from someone you don’t know, delete this message without clicking on any of the links.

UPDATE 07 APR 2020 

Somerset Scams and Fraud Video

Please find a link to our senior safety video, which discusses the topic of Covid-19 scams and frauds that are being targeted at the vulnerable and elderly. This may help protect the many frightened and vulnerable elder citizens in our communities. Please pass the link to anyone who would benefit, or watch and take notes to pass on to those residents nearby who don’t have access to the internet.

Do please stay safe & stay home.

UPDATE 02 APR 2020 

Text Message Scam

The latest scam seems to be that scammers have been sending fake texts to individuals threatening a fine for leaving home. The text claims that the UK Government has been tracking your movements and that you left the home on given dates and travelled a specified distance. You are then told that you have to pay a fine, which will increase the longer you take to pay it. THIS IS A SCAM. It uses the name of a civil authority and preys on your worry that it will cost more if you ignore it. Delete the text and never click on any link in a message from someone you don’t know.

The BBC Website has more information on this and can be found by following this link.

Press Office Release, Fraud & Scam awareness

Avon & Somerset Police Press Office have released information regarding recent online Fraud and Scam activity relating to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.

Please do take the time to read through this information, you can either follow the link below or open the file attached.

Please Stay in and Stay safe.

Beware fraud and scams during Covid-19 pandemic. Stay at home – stay safe on line

Attachments:beware-fraud-and-scams-during-covid.pdf

Police Enquiry Offices & Reporting Issues

The majority of police enquiry offices across the force area have been closed in a bid to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Four of them will remain open seven days a week, but should only be used if absolutely essential. Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating should follow Government advice and stay at home and report matters for the police through our website instead. https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/

The four in operation from 8am-8pm (weekdays) and 9am-5pm (weekends) are:

•Bridewell Police Station, Bristol

•Patchway Police Centre, South Gloucestershire

•Bridgwater Police Centre, Somerset

•Yeovil Police Station, Somerset

Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Cullen said: “This has not been an easy decision to make but has been made in accordance with the Government’s announcement on Monday that people should remain at home unless absolutely necessary to reduce the spread of this virus. The decision will remain under constant review.

“By temporarily reducing the number of enquiry desks open it will allow us best maximise the resources available to the force at what is critical time for policing.

“We remain committed to providing a visible police presence in all our communities, and any enquiries that would traditionally have been handled face-to-face will be conducted online through our website, including reporting non-urgent crimes.

Further guidance:

• Please only call 999 in an emergency. If you need to call our 101 service, please consider whether you can report online instead via our online reporting tools.

• Visit our dedicated COVID-19 page for links to all the latest news on policing services. • Visit GOV.UK to read the Government’s advice on COVID-19.

• See Government advice for staying at home, for households with possible COVID-19 infection and social distancing to protect vulnerable groups.

• Visit the NHS website for hygiene advice and advice on calling 111.

• For advice on mental health, visit the Every Mind Matters website.

Please also be aware that all NHW Administrators are now having to work from home. This means that they will be available by email and by mobile phone only. All post, both incoming and outgoing will be severely delayed until further notice.

23 MARCH 2020 

Shopping Scam (Vulnerable & Isolation)

During this challenging period, it is heartening to hear lots of stories of kindness from friends and neighbours caring for one another. This is where many Neighbourhood Watches have excelled in looking after the elderly and vulnerable members of their community – or simply offer to help everyone. This includes phone calls to ensure people are ok, assistance with appointments and the collection of groceries and medications.

We must however remain vigilant and rely upon those we know and trust. I have learnt today of a couple of incidents where callers have arrived on doorways offering to do shopping, claiming to be good Samaritans. They have taken money and a shopping list but never returned.

Unfortunately there are some people who will always take advantage of any crisis to steal from those in need.

Please do not fall foul to this and only rely upon people you know or trust to help you.

Somerset: Covid-19 Scam Email

Please be aware of a new scam email advising that you are entitled to a tax refund (rebate) of £128.34. The email states that this is a precautionary measure in cooperation with National Insurance and National Health Services, It is NOT. It goes on to suggest the funds can help protect yourself against COVID-19 and to access the funds now by clicking on the blue hyperlink, Please DO NOT do this.

North Wales Police (NWP) have advised this has already cost the public more than £800,000 in a month and to contact Action Fraud for advice on: 0300 123 2040