Protect yourself against coronavirus scams

Some of the reported incidents that have been publicised by Action Fraud and the City of London Police include:

• Fake text messages from gov.uk prompting people to pay fines for going outside

• Calls from fraudsters requesting customers move their money into 'safe accounts'

• Fake websites being set up selling face masks and COVID-19 testing kits

• HMRC emails and text messages offering tax relief and directing victims to fake websites to harvest their financial details

• Fake volunteers offering to do shopping and taking cash from vulnerable victims

We’ve also been informed of an increase in fraudulent ‘phishing’ emails relating to advice surrounding the pandemic, so be on your guard when opening emails and clicking on links that claim to be trusted organisations. The advice is not to open any unsolicited or suspicious emails, and not to click on links unless you’re sure of the sender’s credibility.

Please follow this link for the updated list of scams that have been seen relating to COVID-19 by UK Finance, the mortgage industry body.

Kent Reliance will never ask you to share any personal, security (e.g., password/memorable information) or account details, or offer to move your savings to a safe account.

Make sure you remain vigilant about cold callers. There have been reports of people trying to obtain access to homes on the false promise of testing you and family members for the virus. Don’t answer the door to anyone you don’t know.

 

The five steps to fraud prevention

We support the Take Five national campaign, which promotes five clear steps for protecting yourself and your money.

Remember the five steps:

1. Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full password – it’s never okay to reveal these details

2. Don’t assume an email request or caller is genuine – people aren’t always who they say they are

3. Don’t be rushed – a genuine bank or organisation won’t mind waiting to give you time to stop and think

4. Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong, then it is usually right to pause and question it

5. Stay in control – have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for information

Stay up-to-date with the latest information on fraud and security on the support page of our website, helping you remain vigilant and protect yourself and others.

Please stop and think before making online purchases and do your research before buying from a new unknown site; don't just hand over your details without thinking first.

If you receive a phone call from your bank asking to move money or for details, hang up and call them back using the number obtained on their official website.