COVID Scams

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Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay Scam Aware

 

The outbreak of COVID-19 has seen an increase in scams and doorstep traders who are trying to exploit fear and uncertainty during this difficult time. As individuals and communities, we urge you to keep safe and vigilant in the current environment and look out for scams in your neighbourhood, which often target elderly and vulnerable people.

 

Click here for further information
 

National Shielding Scam Helpline Q & A

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Q. I have had a telephone call from somebody claiming to be from the National Shielding Helpline. How do I know this is not a scam? 

A. While you are at home shielding a government support service may contact you by letter, email or telephone. This team is calling to understand your food and wellbeing support needs and will always identify themselves with their name and as a representative of the National Shielding Helpline.

To give you confidence, the number they’re calling from will register on your phone as 0333 3050466. Its not a live telephone line, however if you call it you will get the following recorded message:  You were called today by the Shielding Helpline, sorry that we missed you, there is no need to call us back as we will try again soon. 

Additionally, for extra peace of mind early on in the call agents from this service will ask you to confirm some details, for example your name and NHS number, to make sure they are speaking to the person identified by the NHS as extremely clinically vulnerable / highest clinical risk of COVID19. They will never ask you for information like your National Insurance number or bank details. Your local council may also be in touch.

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