Staying safe from cyber-crime and scams

Is it often the elderly and most vulnerable in our communities who are targeted by criminals with cold calls on the doorstep. Scammers take their unsuspecting victims’ money and may also attempt to obtain personal information that may then be passed to other fraudsters.

Recent scams include individuals turning up out of the blue with bogus offers to clean front doorsteps or driveways claiming this will kill off bacteria and help prevent the spread of coronavirus. 

Traders have been in local areas offering discounts to work carried out, particularly for home improvements and gardening work, stating that the discount is to help them build up their business again after being in lockdown and unable to work. These people may seem genuine, but the work is often unnecessary and substandard.

Reports have also been received of persons approaching residents stating they are from ‘Money Saving Expert’ and there to help them save money – they even have ‘Money Saving Expert’ identification badges. Money Saving Expert have confirmed that they do not cold-call and neither do they condone it.