Beware of the Scammers!
It seems to me that the scammers have been working overtime in the past month. I can’t count how many times I have picked up my phone to a voice telling me I am in serious trouble over tax issues, or some other ‘crime’ that means the police are about to hammer down my door and rush me into custody.
Then there are the calls that just cut out when I answer. I never call anyone back now if I don’t recognise the number. I don’t want to incur stupid charges or invite someone to promise me they will only take a moment of my time to ask a few questions. Yawn!
About three times a week recently ‘Microsoft’ has very kindly called me to tell me how it has been monitoring my computer and I am in serious trouble if I do not give it immediate access. These calls are so cheeky! After I told one scammer he should get a proper job and stop stealing from people, he phoned me back to tell me what an arsehole I am. And yesterday a woman said if I was not willing to listen, that was my business, but calling her a thief was rude. I find myself snorting out loud with laughter at their audacity.
The latest scam seems to be targeting businesses, so I should not be bothered by them, but it could be an issue if your business is being told it could be in trouble, with new legislation coming in, for not installing anti-Covid devices costing hundreds of pounds. Letters from the ‘Covid Safe Taskforce’ are at least to be ignored and at best reported to Trading Standards.
For anyone unsure about whether a call or letter is a scam, it is essential to remember, no one should be accessing your bank account or your computer. Legitimate companies will not ask for bank details and won’t threaten to carry you off to prison if you don’t call them back. If unsure about what to do, get advice from someone who will know. The council may help, and Citizens Advice is a great source of information.
Don’t get scammed.
