This weekly alert outlines trending fraud patterns during the current COVID-19 pandemic and what we can do to stay protected.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards News Alert issue 5 15.05.2020

Outline of trending scams:

1. Young mums facebook accounts cloned and contacts approached to ask for financial support
2. Fraudulent Citizens Advice calls claiming to write off 70% off debts
3. Dewsbury/Batley & Pontefract: Elderly targetted offering to clear driveway & property maintenance.

 

 

Please note: At present there is NO vaccine for the COVID-19 virus.

• Last week, (04/05/2020 – 10/05/2020) WYTS had 45 COVID-19 complaints and queries. A further 28 intelligence reports were submitted through our intelligence database relating to COVID-19 during this time period.
• National Covid intelligence submissions from 04/05/20 to 10/05/20 = 313
• Yorks & Humber Covid intelligence submissions from 04/05/20 to 10/05/20 = 45 (so just over 14% of national intel)
• West Yorkshire intelligence submissions from 04/05/20 to 10/05/20 = 28
• Nationally there has been 4041 Covid 19 related intelligence reports submitted since 01/03/2020 to 10/05/2020.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service newsletters and resources –

https://www.wyjs.org.uk/trading-standards/covid-19-resources/

Always remember:

• If you feel pressured, ask them to leave.
• Friends and family are best to ask.
• Don’t make any snap decisions.
• Do the checks and use a number you have found yourself, not the one the visitor provides.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe