The Coronavirus pandemic is showing the very best of our country, with communities coming together to help our most vulnerable and protect the NHS. Unfortunately, however, there has also been an increase in the number of people trying to exploit the situation for their own financial gain with the National Crime Agency (NCA) identifying multiple instances of fraudsters selling phony and dangerous personal protective equipment and coronavirus testing kits. This is occuring alongside criminals impersonating government departments, using social media and email campaigns to trick victims into applying for bogus stimulus support.
To tackle this the Government is working with law enforcement agencies to identify and prevent criminals from exploiting this unprecedented situation to inflict untold misery on victims. A crack-down is currently underway on phony coronavirus products with arrests taking place and the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) thwarting thousands of scams relating to the pandemic in the last month alone.
Antony Higginbotham MP is encouraging all local residents to be extra vigilant, and report any suspicious emails to a new online Suspicious Email Reporting Service which has already led to 395 phishing sites being taken down in its first week of operation.
“We know that law enforcement and other operational partners cannot do their jobs properly if we do not take the necessary steps to protect ourselves. That is why I’m working with the Home Office to warn the public about some of the risks they may face from fraud – both off and online” says Antony Higginbotham MP.
A Cyber Aware campaign is also running alongside the Suspicious Email Reporting service to highlight how people can protect themselves from the majority of cyber crimes, including those committed for fraudulent reasons. A gov.uk webpage has been launched on coronavirus related fraud and cyber-crime containing easy-to-follow tips, and signposts of where to receive the most relevant advice and support.
“With continued collaboration, we can make a real impact against criminals attempting to commit these terrible crimes. More importantly, we can ensure that the most vulnerable are adequately protected from this callous and pernicious crime” says the Minister of State for Security James Brokenshire.