Identifying COVID-19 scams - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:41, 27 February 2021

2021-02-27T07:41:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:41, 27 February 2021
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	* Security.		* Security.

−	[[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

Editor at 13:12, 31 July 2020

2020-07-31T13:12:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:12, 31 July 2020
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	1. Criminals have sent fake government emails designed to look like they are from government departments offering grants of up to £7,500. The emails contain links which steal personal and financial information from victims.		1. Criminals have sent fake government emails designed to look like they are from government departments offering grants of up to £7,500. The emails contain links which steal personal and financial information from victims.

−	2. Fraudsters have also been sending scam emails which offer access to '~~Covid~~-19 relief funds' encouraging victims to fill in a form with their personal information.	+	2. Fraudsters have also been sending scam emails which offer access to 'COVID-19 relief funds' encouraging victims to fill in a form with their personal information.

	3. Criminals have been targeting people with official-looking emails offering a 'council tax reduction'. These emails, which use government branding, contain links which lead to a fake government website which is used to access personal and financial information.		3. Criminals have been targeting people with official-looking emails offering a 'council tax reduction'. These emails, which use government branding, contain links which lead to a fake government website which is used to access personal and financial information.
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	4. Fraudsters are also preying on benefit recipients, offering to help apply for Universal Credit, while taking some of the payment as an advance for their "services".		4. Fraudsters are also preying on benefit recipients, offering to help apply for Universal Credit, while taking some of the payment as an advance for their "services".

−	5. One of the most shocking scams that has appeared during the pandemic has involved using the NHS Test and Trace service, Criminals are preying on an anxious public by sending phishing emails and links claiming that the recipient has been in contact with someone diagnosed with ~~Covid~~-19. These lead to fake websites that are used to steal personal and financial information or infect devices with malware.	+	5. One of the most shocking scams that has appeared during the pandemic has involved using the NHS Test and Trace service, Criminals are preying on an anxious public by sending phishing emails and links claiming that the recipient has been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. These lead to fake websites that are used to steal personal and financial information or infect devices with malware.

−	6. Victims are also being targeted by fake adverts for ~~Covid~~-related products such as hand ~~sanitizer~~ and face masks which do not exist.	+	6. Victims are also being targeted by fake adverts for COVID-related products such as hand sanitiser and face masks which do not exist.

	7. Criminals are sending fake emails and texts claiming to be from TV Licensing, telling people they are eligible for six months of free TV license because of the coronavirus pandemic. Victims are told there has been a problem with their direct debit and are asked to click on a link that takes them to a fake website used to steal personal and financial information.		7. Criminals are sending fake emails and texts claiming to be from TV Licensing, telling people they are eligible for six months of free TV license because of the coronavirus pandemic. Victims are told there has been a problem with their direct debit and are asked to click on a link that takes them to a fake website used to steal personal and financial information.
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	The banking and finance sector is working with the government and law enforcement to help identify scams and prevent people becoming victims of fraud. The industry is also encouraging everyone to remain vigilant and to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, and to Stop, Challenge and Protect when they receive any messages out of the blue:		The banking and finance sector is working with the government and law enforcement to help identify scams and prevent people becoming victims of fraud. The industry is also encouraging everyone to remain vigilant and to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, and to Stop, Challenge and Protect when they receive any messages out of the blue:

−	Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.	+	* Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
		+	* Challenge: Could it be fake? It's ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush you or panic you.
		+	* Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you've fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

−	~~Challenge: Could it be fake? It's ok~~ to ~~reject~~, ~~refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush you or panic you.~~	+	In order to stop a COVID-19 scam, people should be on high alert if:

−	~~Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you've fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.~~	+	* The website address is inconsistent with that of the legitimate organisation.
−		+	* The phone call, text or emails asks for financial information such as PIN, passwords.
−	~~In order to stop a Covid-19 scam, people should be on high alert if:~~	+	* You receive a call or email out of the blue with an urgent request for your personal or financial information, or to make an immediate payment.
−		+	* You're offered a heavily discounted or considerably cheaper product compared to the original price.
−	The website address is inconsistent with that of the legitimate organisation	+	* There are spelling and grammar mistakes, or inconsistencies in the story you're given.
−		+
−	The phone call, text or emails asks for financial information such as PIN, passwords	+
−		+
−	You receive a call or email out of the blue with an urgent request for your personal or financial information, or to make an immediate payment	+
−		+
−	You're offered a heavily discounted or considerably cheaper product compared to the original price	+
−		+
−	There are spelling and grammar mistakes, or inconsistencies in the story you're given	+

	Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, Katy Worobec, said: “During this pandemic we have seen criminals using sophisticated methods to callously exploit people’s financial concerns, impersonating trusted organisations like the NHS or HMRC, to trick them into giving away their money or information. “The banking and finance industry is tackling fraud on every front, investing millions in advance technology to protect customers and working closely with the government and law enforcement to stop the criminal gangs responsible and neutralise the threat. “We would always urge people to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to keep their money and personal information safe from fraudsters.”		Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, Katy Worobec, said: “During this pandemic we have seen criminals using sophisticated methods to callously exploit people’s financial concerns, impersonating trusted organisations like the NHS or HMRC, to trick them into giving away their money or information. “The banking and finance industry is tackling fraud on every front, investing millions in advance technology to protect customers and working closely with the government and law enforcement to stop the criminal gangs responsible and neutralise the threat. “We would always urge people to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to keep their money and personal information safe from fraudsters.”
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

		+	* CIAT articles.
		+	* Consumer.
	* Coronavirus and the construction industry.		* Coronavirus and the construction industry.
		+	* Personal protective equipment PPE.
		+	* Security.

	[[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]		[[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

Editor at 12:53, 31 July 2020

2020-07-31T12:53:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:53, 31 July 2020
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−	[[File:ScamAlert.jpg]]	+	[[File:ScamAlert.jpg\|link=File:ScamAlert.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	UK Finance unveils ~~ten Covid~~-19 and lockdown scams the public should be on high alert for and how to spot them.	+	UK Finance unveils 10 COVID-19 and lockdown scams the public should be on high alert for and how to spot them.

−	Using the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity, fraudsters are using sophisticated methods to callously exploit people, with many concerned about their financial situation and the state of the economy. ~~To coincide with the launch of its new animation urging people to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign,~~ UK Finance reveals ~~ten Covid~~-19 and lockdown scams which criminals are using to target people and get them to part with their money.	+	= Take Five to Stop Fraud =
		+
		+	Using the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity, fraudsters are using sophisticated methods to callously exploit people, with many concerned about their financial situation and the state of the economy. UK Finance reveals 10 COVID-19 and lockdown scams which criminals are using to target people and get them to part with their money.

	Some scams manipulate innocent victims, urging people to invest and "take advantage of the financial downturn". Others impersonate well-known subscription services to get people to part with their cash and personal information. Criminals are even posing as representatives from the NHS Test and Trace service in an effort to trick people into giving away their personal details.		Some scams manipulate innocent victims, urging people to invest and "take advantage of the financial downturn". Others impersonate well-known subscription services to get people to part with their cash and personal information. Criminals are even posing as representatives from the NHS Test and Trace service in an effort to trick people into giving away their personal details.
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	To remind people that criminals are experts at impersonating trusted organisations, UK Finance has launched a new animation video urging people to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign. Consumers are reminded to always take a moment to stop and think before parting with their money or information in case it's a scam.		To remind people that criminals are experts at impersonating trusted organisations, UK Finance has launched a new animation video urging people to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign. Consumers are reminded to always take a moment to stop and think before parting with their money or information in case it's a scam.

−	The ~~ten~~ scams to ~~be on the lookout for and how to spot them:~~	+	= The 10 scams to watch =

−	~~Covid-19 financial support~~ scams	+	The 10 scams to be on the lookout for and how to spot them:

	1. Criminals have sent fake government emails designed to look like they are from government departments offering grants of up to £7,500. The emails contain links which steal personal and financial information from victims.		1. Criminals have sent fake government emails designed to look like they are from government departments offering grants of up to £7,500. The emails contain links which steal personal and financial information from victims.
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	4. Fraudsters are also preying on benefit recipients, offering to help apply for Universal Credit, while taking some of the payment as an advance for their "services".		4. Fraudsters are also preying on benefit recipients, offering to help apply for Universal Credit, while taking some of the payment as an advance for their "services".
−
−	~~Health scams~~

	5. One of the most shocking scams that has appeared during the pandemic has involved using the NHS Test and Trace service, Criminals are preying on an anxious public by sending phishing emails and links claiming that the recipient has been in contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19. These lead to fake websites that are used to steal personal and financial information or infect devices with malware.		5. One of the most shocking scams that has appeared during the pandemic has involved using the NHS Test and Trace service, Criminals are preying on an anxious public by sending phishing emails and links claiming that the recipient has been in contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19. These lead to fake websites that are used to steal personal and financial information or infect devices with malware.

	6. Victims are also being targeted by fake adverts for Covid-related products such as hand sanitizer and face masks which do not exist.		6. Victims are also being targeted by fake adverts for Covid-related products such as hand sanitizer and face masks which do not exist.
−
−	~~Lockdown scams~~

	7. Criminals are sending fake emails and texts claiming to be from TV Licensing, telling people they are eligible for six months of free TV license because of the coronavirus pandemic. Victims are told there has been a problem with their direct debit and are asked to click on a link that takes them to a fake website used to steal personal and financial information.		7. Criminals are sending fake emails and texts claiming to be from TV Licensing, telling people they are eligible for six months of free TV license because of the coronavirus pandemic. Victims are told there has been a problem with their direct debit and are asked to click on a link that takes them to a fake website used to steal personal and financial information.
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	10. Criminals are using social media websites to advertise fake investment opportunities, encouraging victims to "take advantage of the financial downturn". Bitcoin platforms are using emails and adverts on social media platforms to encourage unsuspecting victims to put money into fake investment companies using fake websites.		10. Criminals are using social media websites to advertise fake investment opportunities, encouraging victims to "take advantage of the financial downturn". Bitcoin platforms are using emails and adverts on social media platforms to encourage unsuspecting victims to put money into fake investment companies using fake websites.
		+
		+	= Stop, Challenge and Protect =

	The banking and finance sector is working with the government and law enforcement to help identify scams and prevent people becoming victims of fraud. The industry is also encouraging everyone to remain vigilant and to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, and to Stop, Challenge and Protect when they receive any messages out of the blue:		The banking and finance sector is working with the government and law enforcement to help identify scams and prevent people becoming victims of fraud. The industry is also encouraging everyone to remain vigilant and to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, and to Stop, Challenge and Protect when they receive any messages out of the blue:

Editor at 12:46, 31 July 2020

2020-07-31T12:46:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:46, 31 July 2020
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		+	[[File:ScamAlert.jpg]]
		+
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

Editor at 12:41, 31 July 2020

2020-07-31T12:41:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:41, 31 July 2020
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−	~~Ten Covid-19 scams the public should be on high alert for~~	+	= Introduction =
−		+
−	~~NEWS 30 JUL 2020~~	+

	UK Finance unveils ten Covid-19 and lockdown scams the public should be on high alert for and how to spot them.		UK Finance unveils ten Covid-19 and lockdown scams the public should be on high alert for and how to spot them.
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	Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, Katy Worobec, said: “During this pandemic we have seen criminals using sophisticated methods to callously exploit people’s financial concerns, impersonating trusted organisations like the NHS or HMRC, to trick them into giving away their money or information. “The banking and finance industry is tackling fraud on every front, investing millions in advance technology to protect customers and working closely with the government and law enforcement to stop the criminal gangs responsible and neutralise the threat. “We would always urge people to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to keep their money and personal information safe from fraudsters.”		Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, Katy Worobec, said: “During this pandemic we have seen criminals using sophisticated methods to callously exploit people’s financial concerns, impersonating trusted organisations like the NHS or HMRC, to trick them into giving away their money or information. “The banking and finance industry is tackling fraud on every front, investing millions in advance technology to protect customers and working closely with the government and law enforcement to stop the criminal gangs responsible and neutralise the threat. “We would always urge people to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to keep their money and personal information safe from fraudsters.”
		+
		+	-----
		+	This article originally appeared on the CIAT website under the title, "[https://ciat.org.uk/resource/ten-covid-19-scams-the-public-should-be-on-high-alert-for.html Ten Covid-19 scams the public should be on high alert for]". It was published on 30 July 2020.

	--[[User:CIAT\|CIAT]]		--[[User:CIAT\|CIAT]]
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	* Coronavirus and the construction industry.		* Coronavirus and the construction industry.
		+
		+	[[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

Editor: Created page with "Ten Covid-19 scams the public should be on high alert for NEWS 30 JUL 2020 UK Finance unveils ten Covid-19 and lockdown scams the public should be on high alert for and how to ..."

2020-07-31T12:37:01Z

Created page with "Ten Covid-19 scams the public should be on high alert for NEWS 30 JUL 2020 UK Finance unveils ten Covid-19 and lockdown scams the public should be on high alert for and how to ..."

New page

Ten Covid-19 scams the public should be on high alert for

NEWS 30 JUL 2020

UK Finance unveils ten Covid-19 and lockdown scams the public should be on high alert for and how to spot them.

Using the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity, fraudsters are using sophisticated methods to callously exploit people, with many concerned about their financial situation and the state of the economy. To coincide with the launch of its new animation urging people to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, UK Finance reveals ten Covid-19 and lockdown scams which criminals are using to target people and get them to part with their money.

Some scams manipulate innocent victims, urging people to invest and "take advantage of the financial downturn". Others impersonate well-known subscription services to get people to part with their cash and personal information. Criminals are even posing as representatives from the NHS Test and Trace service in an effort to trick people into giving away their personal details.

To remind people that criminals are experts at impersonating trusted organisations, UK Finance has launched a new animation video urging people to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign. Consumers are reminded to always take a moment to stop and think before parting with their money or information in case it's a scam.

The ten scams to be on the lookout for and how to spot them:

Covid-19 financial support scams

1. Criminals have sent fake government emails designed to look like they are from government departments offering grants of up to £7,500. The emails contain links which steal personal and financial information from victims.

2. Fraudsters have also been sending scam emails which offer access to 'Covid-19 relief funds' encouraging victims to fill in a form with their personal information.

3. Criminals have been targeting people with official-looking emails offering a 'council tax reduction'. These emails, which use government branding, contain links which lead to a fake government website which is used to access personal and financial information.

4. Fraudsters are also preying on benefit recipients, offering to help apply for Universal Credit, while taking some of the payment as an advance for their "services".

Health scams

5. One of the most shocking scams that has appeared during the pandemic has involved using the NHS Test and Trace service, Criminals are preying on an anxious public by sending phishing emails and links claiming that the recipient has been in contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19. These lead to fake websites that are used to steal personal and financial information or infect devices with malware.

6. Victims are also being targeted by fake adverts for Covid-related products such as hand sanitizer and face masks which do not exist.

Lockdown scams

7. Criminals are sending fake emails and texts claiming to be from TV Licensing, telling people they are eligible for six months of free TV license because of the coronavirus pandemic. Victims are told there has been a problem with their direct debit and are asked to click on a link that takes them to a fake website used to steal personal and financial information.

8. Amid a rise in the use of online TV subscription services during the lockdown, customers have been targeted by criminals sending convincing emails asking them to update their payment details by clicking on a link which is then used to steal credit card information.

9. Fraudsters are also exploiting those using online dating websites by creating fake profiles on social media sites used to manipulate victims into handing over their money. Often criminals will use the identities of real people to strike up relationships with their targets.

10. Criminals are using social media websites to advertise fake investment opportunities, encouraging victims to "take advantage of the financial downturn". Bitcoin platforms are using emails and adverts on social media platforms to encourage unsuspecting victims to put money into fake investment companies using fake websites.

The banking and finance sector is working with the government and law enforcement to help identify scams and prevent people becoming victims of fraud. The industry is also encouraging everyone to remain vigilant and to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, and to Stop, Challenge and Protect when they receive any messages out of the blue:

Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

Challenge: Could it be fake? It's ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush you or panic you.

Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you've fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

In order to stop a Covid-19 scam, people should be on high alert if:

The website address is inconsistent with that of the legitimate organisation

The phone call, text or emails asks for financial information such as PIN, passwords

You receive a call or email out of the blue with an urgent request for your personal or financial information, or to make an immediate payment

You're offered a heavily discounted or considerably cheaper product compared to the original price

There are spelling and grammar mistakes, or inconsistencies in the story you're given

Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, Katy Worobec, said: “During this pandemic we have seen criminals using sophisticated methods to callously exploit people’s financial concerns, impersonating trusted organisations like the NHS or HMRC, to trick them into giving away their money or information. “The banking and finance industry is tackling fraud on every front, investing millions in advance technology to protect customers and working closely with the government and law enforcement to stop the criminal gangs responsible and neutralise the threat. “We would always urge people to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to keep their money and personal information safe from fraudsters.”

--[[User:CIAT|CIAT]]

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Coronavirus and the construction industry.