March 20, 2020 - 814 views
North Wales Police Community Safety have thanked the kind-hearted members of our communities who are looking out for their neighbours amid the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak.
However, they say they have been made aware of social media trends which encourage people to identify their households as ‘Vulnerable or Self- Isolating’.
They are asking people to excercise caution as you may inadvertently advertise households to criminals looking to exploit vulnerable people.
Remember that while most people are supporting one another, there is still a small minority who will look to criminally exploit situations like this. Consider – Am I putting myself at risk of crime? Am I putting my neighbours at risk of crime?
Please take a considered and measured approach to identifying yourself or others as vulnerable. North Wales Police have issued advice on reducing your risk of becoming a victim of scams or fraud.
Do NOT hang anything on the front of your property which indicates you are vulnerable or in self isolation.
Do NOT give out your banking details to anyone attending your address.
Do NOT leave doors unlocked/open to allow easy access for carers as this could be used by criminals. Consider getting more keys cut or using a key safe.
DO set up community or street WhatsApp groups so that residents in your area can communicate and ask for assistance without increasing the risk of crime.
DO post a note through neighbour’s door if you think they are vulnerable or may need assistance.
DO consider how best to exchange cash / goods. Always be aware of scammers who may try to sell items at an increased price in order to profit from Coronavirus.
DO continue to support your community as best as you can.
With more people self-isolating or working at home, it is expected that you will receive more scam phone calls than usual.
Don't reveal personal details. Never give out personal or financial information (such as your bank account details or your PIN) over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from your bank.
Hang up. If you feel harassed or intimidated, or if the caller talks over you without giving you a chance to speak, end the call. It may feel rude to hang up on someone, but you have the right not to be pressurised into anything.
Don't be rushed. Scammers will try to rush you into providing your personal details. They may say they have time-limited offer or claim your bank account is at risk if you don't give them the information they need right away.
Follow trusted social media pages for updates about the ongoing situation via the North Wales Police Community Safety team. Twitter and Facebook - @NWPComSafCent
