Dorset Police are warning businesses to be very vigilant against fraud and scams.
Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Jim Beashel said “Just as businesses have had to adapt and find new ways of working during the COVID-19 crisis; criminals have looked for opportunities to exploit the situation for financial gain. By early June Action Fraud, the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre, reported that over £5 million has been lost by victims to coronavirus-related scams”.
Dorset Police have seen a number of scams recently such as:
- Phishing – emails that entice the recipient into opening attachments which could lead to personal information being accessed.
- Mandate Fraud – People working from home may receive contact from fraudsters purporting to be an organisation they make regular payments to with a request they make changes to a direct debit, standing order or bank transfer mandate.
- Pension Liberation and Investment Fraud – In times of economic difficulties people may receive unsolicited ‘opportunities’ to release funds. The old adage applies that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Lender Loan Fraud – Offers of a fast release of funds may be promised on receipt of an upfront fee which is taken but the loan in never provided.
Specific coronavirus fraud prevention advice can be accessed at The National Cyber Security Centre www.ncsc.gov.uk. If you have more specific concerns or questions please contact us at cybercrimeprevention@dorset.pnn.police.uk.
We will also continue to use our social media platforms to distribute advice and guidance as things develop. We can be found on Twitter at @DP_CyberCrime, or on Facebook at @DorsetPoliceCyberCrime.