How to avoid Covid-19 scams
Fraudsters are trying to exploit the Covid-19 outbreak as an opportunity for financial crime
If you think you've been a victim of fraud, act promptly.
If you have M&S Bank card, call 0345 900 0900. Also, let any other credit providers know straightaway.
Some fraudsters are trying to exploit the Covid-19 outbreak as an opportunity for financial crime by posing as trusted organisations like banks and even the World Health Organisation.
They may pretend to offer a safe haven for your money or medical guidance. They'll then try to trick you into making a payment into a 'safe' account, giving personal or financial information.
Typically, they’ll get in touch through:
Remember, M&S Bank will never ask you for any PINs or passwords or to move money to a 'safe' account.
If you think you've been the victim of a coronavirus scam, report it to us as soon as possible on 0345 900 0900.
You can also visit the Take Five website (link opens in a new window) for more help on protecting yourself against fraud.
We also have our scams leaflet which tells you more about how to stay safe online.
Be aware of the scams below, and regularly check for more warnings on our social media channels: Facebook (link opens in a new window) and (link opens in a new window)Twitter.
NHS scam
Fraudsters are taking advantage of people expecting to be contacted by the NHS about their Covid-19 vaccine. The NHS will never call or text to confirm you want the vaccine or ask for bank details.
Safe account scam
Fraudsters are exploiting Covid-19 by offering the chance to move your money to a fake safe account. We'll never ask you to do this. If you're suspicious, hang up or don't reply to the message.
Purchase scam
Fraudsters are using Covid-19 to offer fake goods, such as face masks and hand gel. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Use secure payment methods and only buy from sites you trust.
Fake testing kits
Beware of fraudsters pretending to be medical professionals, promising Covid-19 testing kits for a fee. Don't be rushed into a decision. Only criminals will try to rush and panic you.
Throughout the pandemic, fraudsters have been trying to exploit coronavirus as an opportunity for financial crime.
Now that vaccines are available, they’re sending bogus messages claiming to be from the NHS and offering the chance to apply for a Covid-19 vaccine.
These are usually text messages or emails asking you to confirm your personal and financial details through a website given in a link. The same scam is also being used with automated phone calls asking you to press a button on your keypad to provide your details.
Just a reminder that the Covid-19 vaccine is only available through the NHS and is free to all.
Remember, the NHS will never:
We're seeing criminals pretending to be from HMRC and offering a goodwill payment from the Covid-19 fund. Again, HMRC won't email, text or call about tax rebates or penalties so it could be a scam. Look out for bad spelling, odd addresses and generic greetings.
If you receive a message that looks like it's from HMRC, go to the HMRC website on your browser to check it's genuine.
On 24 March, the UK Government sent a text to the public asking people to stay at home. This was legitimate. However, fraudsters are also impersonating the Government, sending texts to people claiming they're being fined for leaving their home more than once a day.
Some parents have received fake emails telling them their child is entitled to free school meals. Parents are then asked to send their bank details so they can get financial help during school holidays. Please remember, schools will never ask for your bank details via email.
Customers are reporting that they're receiving scam emails about insurance. Phishing is an attempt by fraudsters to 'fish' for personal information such as the security details you use for banking. They send an email to as many email addresses that they can, claiming to come from a legitimate organisation such as a bank, online payment service, retailer or similar.
We've seen confirmed authorised push payment (APP) scams with payment references mentioning coronavirus or Covid-19. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that the fake caller used the virus as a conversation starter. They may have used these words in the payment reference to make it look more genuine to us.
Unfortunately, there have been cases of fraudsters targeting those who are more vulnerable, offering to do their shopping or other odd jobs. This may seem like a genuine act of kindness, but fraudsters are taking money or cards and never returning. If you can, please only accept help from friends, neighbours or those you know and trust. It may also be a good idea to talk to any elderly or vulnerable family and friends to make sure they're aware of the risks too.
Be aware of scammers capitalising on current stock market volatility. They may unexpectedly contact you through emails and phone calls with:
These tactics are also called 'boiler room' scams, as criminals will often pressure you into investing.
If you think you've been the victim of a Covid-19 scam,
report it to us as soon as
soon as
possible by calling
0345 900
0900.
You should also report it to Action
Fraud (link opens in a new
window).
You can also visit the Take Five (link opens in a new window) website for more help on protecting yourself against fraud.
We also have our own own scams leaflet which tells you more about how to stay safe online.