We make no apologies for repeating scam information as these continue unrelentingly.  Now we even have people taking advantage of Coronovirus to attempt to scam people.

This is why we are keen to put known people in touch with each other as there are already cases of people being offered assistance and having money stolen from them and in the worst cases criminals’ once again getting access to your bank details.

Only deal with people you know or who have been made known to you through a trusted connection.  With coronavirus scams already passing the £1 million mark and using the latest information from the BBC and ITV, watch out for:

• Fake emails typically seeking log ins, and personal and financial details. Even if you think you know who it is take steps to verify before replying.   This is Phishing – fake letting agents, health organisations, charity donations, Government Organisations – TAKE 5 (pause and consider for 5 minutes) https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk
• Fake products for sale on the internet or at the door. This can be medicines, sanitisers, quack remedies – don’t fall for them
• Suspicious phone calls – just like all the previous scams hang up. Take 5. Verify by a different route
• Distraction burglaries – people posing as health workers in various ways – say no, identify, check
• A knock-on-the- door from a ‘kind looking’ stranger offering to do shopping for you while you are confined to home, PLEASE do not agree. ONLY ask trusted relatives and friendly neighbours for such help
• If in doubt ask someone you trust.

On a broader note (courtesy of Martin Lewis) – facing the scam epidemic:

• Anyone can be caught out
• On-line is the wild west and unregulated – adverts on sites like Facebook are paid for but not checked
• On-line adverts with well-known celebrities recommending financial and other products – watch out they’re unregulated – Martin Lewis sued Facebook
• Adverts can also turn up as emails not just on-line websites and social media.