Citizens Advice Powys warn residents to be aware of new scams.
Covid scams are becoming an "extensive problem" says Yasmin Bell, Chief Officer Citizens Advice Powys. “Since the first lockdown in March the Scams Action line has had seen a huge increase in people requesting advice”.
Citizens Advice research shows that one in three people have been targeted by some form of scam since the pandemic began.
It's important that people are aware of the new scams around at the moment because of coronavirus. Scams to look out for include:
- advertising face masks or medical equipment at high prices
- emails or texts pretending to be from the government
- emails offering life insurance against coronavirus
- people knocking at your door and asking for money for charity
If you see emails or texts about coronavirus from someone you don't know, or from an unusual email address, don't click on any links or buy anything.
Don't give money or personal details to anyone you don't know or trust - for example someone who knocks on the door and offers to help.
It might be a scam if:
- it seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that’s much cheaper than you’d expect.
- someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly.
- you suspect you’re not dealing with a real company – for example, if there’s no postal address.
- you’ve been asked to transfer money quickly.
- you've been asked to pay in an unusual way – for example, by iTunes vouchers or through a transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union.
- you’ve been asked to give away personal information like passwords or PINs.
- you haven't had written confirmation of what's been agreed.
You can get advice from a Scams Action adviser by calling 0808 250 5050.
The service is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Calls are free from mobiles and landlines.
Contact the police immediately by calling 101 if:
- the scammer is in your area
- you've transferred money to the scammer in the last 24 hours
If you feel threatened or unsafe call 999.
