Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Protection against scams during COVID-19

Friends Against Scams aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams. Information about scams to be aware of, including how to protect yourself and others, and how to report them is contained in the link below.

COVID-19 Scams Postcard (pdf 169kb - opens in new window)

Humberside Police Coronavirus Scam Information

Scams Advice Letter (word 70kb)

Track & Trace Scams (word 25kb)

Please be aware that not everyone out there is trustworthy and some people will take advantage of this unusual situation our society is facing.

Here are just some of the scams we are aware of, but please note that criminals come in all shapes and sizes and can contact you at the door, by phone, post or online:

• Be aware of people offering miracle cures or vaccines for coronavirus – there is no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19). Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms until you recover.
• Home cleaning services
• People impersonating healthcare workers, claiming to be offering ‘home-testing’ for coronavirus – this is a scam and these kits are not currently available to buy.
• Emails saying that you can get a refund on taxes, utilities or similar are usually bogus and they are just after your personal and bank details.
• There are lots of fake products available to buy online that say they can protect you or cure coronavirus. These will not help and are designed to take your money.
• There are new mobile phone applications that claim to give you updates on the virus but instead, they lock your phone and demand a ransom.
• Your bank or the police will never ask for your bank details over the phone.
• People offering to do your shopping or collecting medication and asking for money upfront and then disappearing.

Protection against romance scams

Many people are being exposed to organised criminals who will be exploiting loneliness during lockdown to take money from romance scam victims. Feeling the kind of loneliness common among many vulnerable people during the current crisis.

Online Safety advice

• Criminals who commit romance fraud trawl through profiles and piece together information such as wealth and lifestyle, in order to manipulate their victims

• Police can investigate and help to provide support, but often cannot get the money back

• It is very simple for fraudsters to cover their tracks by masking IP addresses and using unregistered phone numbers

• Never send money to someone online you have never met

• Think twice about posting personal information that could be used to manipulate or blackmail you.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others please click the link for a useful BBC article:

BBC Coronavirus: Loneliness and lockdown exploited in romance scams (external website)

Please be aware that not everyone out there is trustworthy and some people will take advantage of this unusual situation our society is facing.

Tips to avoid being scammed:

• Be cautious and listen to your instincts. Don’t be afraid to hang up, bin it, delete it or shut the door.
• Take your time; don’t be rushed.
• If someone claims to represent a charity, ask them for ID. Be suspicious of requests for money up-front. If someone attempts you into accepting a service they are unlikely to be genuine. Check with family and friends before accepting offers of helps if you are unsure.
• If you are online, be aware of fake news and use trusted sources such as .gov.uk or NHS.uk websites. Make sure you type the addresses in and don’t click on links in emails.
• Only purchase goods from legitimate retailers and take a moment to think before parting with money or personal information.
• Know who you’re dealing with - if you need help, talk to someone you know or get in touch with your local Council on the numbers below.
• Protect your financial information, especially from people you don’t know. Never give your bank card or PIN to a stranger.

Contact information:

If you think you’ve been scammed, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and if you need advice, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

If you are in immediate danger, contact the Police on 999.

Contact your bank if you think you have been scammed.

To learn more about different types of scams and how to protect yourself and others, visit Friends Against Scams and complete the free online training:

Friends Against Scams (external website)

Information for charities and general public in regard to scams can also be found in the War on Scams website where you will find information about the different types of scams, videos that can be used to raise awareness, as well as tips on how to avoid being a victim of a scam.

ERVAS - War on Scams (external website)

Safeguarding training information during COVID-19

Please note: we are unable to deliver any face-to-face training during government restrictions and we have no way of knowing how long this might continue. In the meantime, we are keen that you have the opportunity to update and refresh your knowledge around safeguarding and have provided alternative options which are set out below.

Please access the current training pages which has details of online training which can be accessed during the current restrictions.

Safeguarding Adults COVID-19 Update e-Learning Module

This modules enables learners to develop their knowledge and skills in implementing safeguarding adults procedures with an increased level of vigilance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please click the link below for training brought to you from ERYC Adult Social Care Team:

eLearning - Safeguarding Skills: Safeguarding Adults COVID-19 Update