Coronavirus Scams

Hot off the press and a follow up to my post last week about Coronavirus Related Fraud. This one is also a Cheshire Police Alert and gives mention to even more Coronavirus Scams.

You will probably guess what comes next. Yes, thanks yet again to John from Blacon for this very important and timely article. Cheers John.

Coronavirus Scams

Here’s the article in full.

“Cheshire Police Alert ~ Coronavirus Scams – Residents Urged To Be Vigilant Following National Trend of Coronavirus Scams – 24/03/2020 [316078]

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. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said:

“Over recent weeks there has been significant coverage of the spread of coronavirus and we have been made aware of fraudsters taking advantage of this to target the most vulnerable in our communities.

Although there have been no incidents reported to us, it is likely that this will change over time and we may start to see these scams across Cheshire. That is why it is important that everyone listens to the advice and takes note to ensure we can protect the elderly and most vulnerable in our society from these senseless scammers.”

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. Especially 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. I would urge you to follow the key scam advice to help you stay safe in your homes.”

Coronavirus Scams Key Advice

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.

Also, if you are unsure, please call the organisation or company they are claiming to work for.

Furthermore, 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 Clare Harrison (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Engagement Officer, Corporate Communications)“

Coronavirus Scams – Useful Link

As well as reading the above, you may well find it is well worth checking out this link HERE. The link is to a website called “Friends Against Scams.” The website has a lot of alerts about Coronavirus scams. Have a look, it’s well worth it.

Chester Crimewatch

As I said in last week’s Coronavirus Related Fraud post these scammers are the lowest of the low. This Coronavirus Scams post just confirms that view even more so. It really does beggar belief.

For all the other valuable Chester Crimewatch posts on my Chester Lifestyle you can see them all HERE.

As always with all of the Chester Crimewatch blog posts, spread the word wherever you can. This request is even more heartfelt during these worrying times. And another message to the scammers. Come on folks pack it hey. Somehow I don’t think they care a jot, but you never know, it’s worth mentioning.

Stay safe folks.

Also in addition to this latest post have a look at the link below.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

To see all my other blog posts covering a wide variety of topics and issues, have a look HERE.

Thanks for reading folks. And thanks for visiting my website. If you like my website then why not bookmark it and visit again. And again, thanks John. As always your valuable input is so very much appreciated.

Let’s hope we won’t be seeing too many of these type of posts. I won’t hold my breath though.

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