Council advising people to be coronavirus scam aware
| It’s always important to be aware of scams but now more than ever you need to be alert as you may find you are seeing more of them as the situation with the coronavirus continues worldwide. |
| We’d advise that you don’t click on links or open attachments in emails and text messages unless you are sure they are from a legitimate source. Scammers will go to great lengths to make their communications with you look genuine. Please also don’t let anyone into your home without verifying their identity and checking that they have official documentation and/or ID card. We’d also say that you shouldn’t ever give out personal or financial information over the phone. Only purchase goods online from trusted and legitimate retailers and if you have one, use a credit card as this will offer you greater insurance. Council Leader, Adam McVey, said: As Covid-19 continues to spread, sadly fraudsters are likely to continue using the anxiety it generates to trick people to share their personal data and hard earned cash. More than ever, watch out for anything suspicious and don’t be afraid to report it. As a community please be aware of those in your locality who are elderly, living alone and who are vulnerable. Please look after and support each other. Depute Leader, Cammy Day: Unfortunately scams come in many guises these days, whether it is someone trying to sell you hand sanitiser that never arrives, or someone pretending to be giving you a tax rebate. Be extra vigilant and remember that reporting scams can help protect others more vulnerable than ourselves. To report scams you can email us at Trading.standards@edinburgh.gov.uk or call Advice Direct Scotland 0808 800 9060 (www.advice.scot) Examples of current scams to look out for. |
