VICTORIA BISCHOFF: Be more vigilant than ever about online fraud

VICTORIA BISCHOFF: The internet has become a pandemic lifeline so we must be more vigilant than ever about online fraud

For many of us feeling cut off from loved ones, tech-nology has proved to be a lifeline.

Even those who have previously steered clear of the internet have been forced to embrace it so they can do their shopping and banking from the safety of their homes.

Sadly, cyber criminals have also cottoned on to the fact that we are now spending much more time on our computers and devices.

Lockdown: cyber criminals have also cottoned on to the fact that we are now spending much more time on our computers and devices

And, as we revealed in the Mail yesterday, families are facing an unprecedented threat from scammers looking to cash in on the pandemic. GCHQ director Jeremy Fleming even waded in with an impassioned plea to the public to be more vigilant than ever about online fraud.

One of the biggest challenges is that scammers are constantly adapting their tactics, following the changing nature of the crisis.

As ministers announced measures to help mitigate financial losses, almost immediately reports of fake messages from HMRC offering ‘goodwill payments’ of up to £258 began to surface. 

When schools closed, the Department for Education issued warnings about a scam email designed to steal bank details, which said: ‘As schools will be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we’ll make sure you’re supported.’

As media attention shifted to overzealous policing, there were warnings from councils about a text scam which told residents they had been fined for breaking lockdown rules.

Then there are the lowest of the low, who prey on people’s fears for their health by selling fake anti-virus tests, or face masks and hand sanitiser that don’t exist. And these are just a small sample of the scams doing the rounds.

However, the internet is vital in helping us stay connected during this crisis and, as long as you take very simple steps to protect yourself, there is no reason to fear it.

For example, you should never click on a link in a text or email unless you know who has sent it and what it is, never hand over personal details, keep all your passwords up to date and hang up on cold-callers.

And if you’re unsure about anything, always pause, walk away from the screen and call a friend or relative for advice. For more tips, visit ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware and sign up to Action Fraud Alert to hear about scams in your area.

Hope for savers

At last, a glimmer of hope for long-suffering savers.

Spurred on by the Bank of England’s decision to cut the base rate to an all-time low of 0.1 per cent, banks have slashed their interest rates to the bone, with many now paying as little as 0.01 per cent.

Usually when this happens, the Government’s savings arm NS&I is forced to pare back its own rates to avoid attracting too much money and breaching its annual limit. But not this time.

In a bid to support savers and raise money for the Government’s fight against Covid-19, NS&I has cancelled a raft of rate reductions due next month that would have deprived savers of £200 million.

It is a major victory for our Stop Short-Changing Savers campaign. Let’s hope the move triggers a revival of savings deals elsewhere.

Admiral’s in gear

And there’s some good news for motorists, too. Admiral has become the first UK insurer to give to car and van insurance customers a ‘stay-at-home refund’ to recognise the fact we are barely using our vehicles.

All will automatically receive a £25 refund, worth a total of £110 million. The move follows similar steps by U.S. companies and piles pressure on other insurers in the UK to follow suit. 

After all, if the risk we pose has fallen, it’s only fair this is reflected in cheaper premiums.

Do your bit

In this article, we expose the nightmare of trying to get a supermarket delivery slot. If 

you are able to cycle or drive to the shop or pop to your local store, please think twice before putting in an online order, so the spot can go to someone who needs it more than you.

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