Callous fraudsters exploiting Coronavirus crisis with text message offering 'government' cash - The Leamington Observer

Callous fraudsters exploiting Coronavirus crisis with text message offering 'government' cash

Leamington Editorial 25th Mar, 2020   0

CALLOUS fraudsters are continuing to try to exploit the Coronavirus crisis.

Warwickshire Trading Standards has warned residents to beware of a bogus text message pretending to offer residents a payment from the government.

The message apes the style of the national text message sent by the government yesterday (Tuesday March 24).

It reads: “URGENT: UKGOV has issued a payment of 458 GBP to all residents as part of its promise to battle COVID 19.”




Recipients are then encouraged to click on a link which places those who do so at risk of theft, ID fraud, and exposing their computer to computer viruses.

Warwickshire Trading Standards advised residents to never follow links in unexpected text messages or divulge any personal or financial information as a result of receiving such a message, and to delete such messages.


Visit www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/how-to-deal-with-spam-text-messages for advice on dealing with spam and scam text messages.

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