From: “BRADDICK, Richard 7101” <Richard.Braddick@cambs.pnn.police.uk> Subject: Important Covid 19 – Scams Date: 20 March 2020 at 14:51:29 GMT To: Jennifer Abell <clerk@hailweston.org.uk>, “Kay Darby (CLerk to Perry Parish Council)” <clerk@perryparishcouncil.org.uk>, Clerk <clerk@kimboltonandstonely-pc.gov.uk>, Offords Parish Clerk <clerk@offords-pc.gov.uk>, “clerk@greatpaxton-pc.gov.uk” <clerk@greatpaxton-pc.gov.uk>, “clerk@buckdenparishcouncil.org.uk” <clerk@buckdenparishcouncil.org.uk>, Great Staughton Council <gtstaughtonparishclerk@outlook.com>
Hi All
This is an important message in regards to the current situation in regards to Covid 19.
In light of more and more people having to stay at home due to Covid 19, warnings of more doorstep scams are coming to light. We need to act fast to send a message to our residents to warn against bogus good Samaritan callers who are offering to carry out shopping and other chores for elderly and vulnerable people. Several cases have already been reported of money being taken from accounts after residents have entrusted these good Samaritans with their bank card and details to buy needed shopping with, only for money to be taken from their account and no shopping bought.
The Red Cross and other charities are also asking residents to be aware that bogus charity workers are knocking at doors offering Covid 19 testing, residents are then being charged for this test or bank details taken and money withdrawn from their accounts, or worse still distraction burglary.
It is important that we make people aware that The Red Cross and other charities are NOT carrying out tests at home.
Please as clerks of your parishes could we get these messages out to all residents of your parishes, especially the elderly and vulnerable, I will update further if new scams and frauds become available. Any messages sent out please advise residents to call 999 or 101 immediately if they believe they have unwanted callers at the door.
Many thanks for your help and assistance.
Richard
PCSO 7101 Richard Braddick St Neots Rurals Safer Neighbourhood Team St. Neots Police Station | Dovehouse Close | St. Neots | Cambridgeshire | PE19 1DS Mobile: 07921-094801| Call: 101 Richard.braddick@cambs.pnn.police.uk