FREE DELIVERY (Excl. Sale Items)

DIAMOND SPECIALISTS

0% APR FINANCE* (T&Cs apply)

Look out for these Scams

Don't fall victim to these scams

During this strange and worrying time the majority of people are coming together in a the spirit of hope and unity. We have seen wonderful acts of kindness all over the world.

However, unfortunately not everyone shares this ethic of caring, and according to the police statistics, scammers have so far stolen more than two million pounds using the coronavirus as a means to con and cheat.

The Coronavirus has created an entire array of scams to take advantage of the vulnerable. Many have received emails and SMS messages relating to the pandemic. Many of these claim to be sent from the World Health Organization or the Government, which can look very convincing. Quite often the objective of these emails or SMS messages are to trick you into giving out your bank details or passwords, which frankly, anybody could fall for.

As a result, we've listed the main scams to be aware of so you don't fall victim.
 

Be aware of this Netflix Scam

Netflix Scams

There have been many reports of a scam involving streaming service Netflix. With the increase of people sitting down with their families to watch a film or TV show scammers are looking at this as an opportunity to catch us out. They send an email that appears to be from Netflix, they ask the recipient to update their payment details, the link in the email takes users to a fake website hosted by the scammers, and allows them to see the victim’s details. Be sure never to click the links in the email, if you want to clarify if your payment details are up to date, log on to the Netflix website on a separate tab and check your account details that way.

Nuisance Messages

Text messages have been reported stating fines for people that have stepped outside during the lockdown. The message claims to be from the Government, telling the target that their movement has been monitored through their phone and they must pay a penalty for breaking the lockdown rules.

The department of education has issued warnings about an email designed to steal your bank details. The email is targeting those who qualify for free school meals, it says “As schools will be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we will make sure you are supported.”

The police have warned of a fake message set up to steal your bank details – it reads something like this “As part of the NHS promise to battle the COVID-19 virus, HMRC has issued a payment of £258 as a goodwill payment.” Another scam going round requires the victim to give out a verification code to someone. This grants the hacker full access to your WhatsApp messages allowing them to target your contacts for requests of money.

You should always ignore these kind of emails, and SMS messages.
 

Doorstep Scams

Doorstep Scams

There have also been reports of criminals are taking advantage of the elderly by gaining access to their homes claiming to be health professionals or from the Red Cross, offering to test them for the virus or taking their temperature. Once in the house there has been nasty cases of the criminals stealing from the victim’s home and some cases of the criminals charging the victims for the unofficial examinations.

Criminals are also posing as the NHS or local GP surgeries offering to test for COVID-19, when there is no such scheme being run.

It would seem that criminals are targeting those who are in vulnerable living situations, where they may be elderly and living alone. If you have grandparents or elderly neighbours that live alone, it’s important to warn them not to let anyone into their homes and to contact you immediately.

Fake Advertisements

With the rising demand in hygiene products, criminals are also setting up fake adverts for protective masks and sanitising gel – make sure wherever you purchase these items from are a trusted site.

Keeping Safe Online & On Your Phone

The applications on our phones are constantly asking to track our locations. But how many of them actually needs that information? Don’t be afraid of denying apps your location, its unlikely game apps would need your location so just make sure you’re only sharing this information with apps that really need permission.

When accepting friend requests and follows on social media, make sure you know them personally. Better still, keep social media accounts on private settings to make your profiles even more protected.

Every time you make a download you are at risk of downloading a malicious virus, putting your computer and its documents at risk. Be sure to use antivirus material to keep your computer protected.

Quite often scammers want you to take action right away and will try and rush you into giving them the information they want. Slow them down, ask them questions and make sure they are who they claim to be.

Links in emails can easily be made to look official, leading you to think you are going to a site you aren’t. Always hover over a link with your cursor to confirm the true landing page of the link.

How to spot a scam and what to do?

- Be extremely careful when receiving text messages from a trusted organisation. It is unlikely these companies would ever ask you for bank details or log-in information over the phone or SMS. Always try and clarify the emails are from the official company.

- An urgent tone, always be wary of an individual using a tone of urgency when trying to get your information.

- Grammar and spelling mistakes are often prominent in scam emails and messages. If the sentences are poorly put together it’s unlikely it has been sent from a trusted organisation.

- Check with a friend or family. If you are not quite sure about a certain message, ask someone you trust to clarify for you. They may already be aware of the scam or may pick up on something you didn’t.

- If you are concerned something is a scam, the chances are, it is. Trust your gut feeling and ignore it.

We hope this blog post helps you from spotting the malicious scams in the future. You can keep an eye on the current scams surrounding COVID-19 on www.reassura.com

Categories: Blog Articles

21 St. Peters Street, Bedford MK40 2PN

Tel: 01234 352 343

Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5.15pm

Payment Options include V12 finance, PayPal, Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, Visa Debit and Klarna
Rolex
My Account
Christmas - Christmas Home
Christmas - Watch Brands
Christmas - Watches by Gender
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Accessories
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Bracelets & Bangles
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Earrings
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Gents Jewellery
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Necklaces
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Rings
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Birthstones
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Jewellery Cleaning
Christmas - Jewellery Type - All Jewellery
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Clogau
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - FOPE
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Georg Jensen
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Gucci Fine Jewellery
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Gucci Silver Jewellery
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Marco Bicego
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Montblanc
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Rachel Galley
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Shaun Leane
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Yoko London
Christmas - Watch Brands - TUDOR
Christmas - Watch Brands - Longines
Christmas - Watch Brands - TAG Heuer
Christmas - Watch Brands - Gucci Watches
Christmas - Watch Brands - Tissot
Christmas - Watches by Gender - Gents Watches
Christmas - Watches by Gender - Ladies Watches
Christmas - Watches by Gender - All Watches
Christmas - Accessories - Cufflinks
Christmas - Accessories - Homeware
Christmas - Accessories - Jewellery Storage
Christmas - Accessories - Watch Storage
Christmas - Accessories - Writing Instruments
Christmas - Accessories - All Gifts & Accessories
Christmas - Gifts By Price - Gifts Under £100
Christmas - Gifts By Price - Gifts Under £250
Christmas - Gifts By Price - Gifts Under £500
Christmas - Gifts By Price - All Gifts & Accessories
Jewellery - Explore Our Range
Jewellery - Specialities
Jewellery - By Type - Accessories
Jewellery - By Type - Bracelets & Bangles
Jewellery - By Type - Earrings
Jewellery - By Type - Gents Jewellery
Jewellery - By Type - Necklaces
Jewellery - By Type - Rings
Jewellery - By Type - Couples' Rings
Jewellery - By Type - Birthstones
Jewellery - By Type - All Jewellery
Jewellery - Brand - Clogau
Jewellery - Brand - FOPE
Jewellery - Brand - Georg Jensen
Jewellery - Brand - Gucci Jewellery
Jewellery - Brand - Marco Bicego
Jewellery - Brand - Montblanc
Jewellery - Brand - Rachel Galley
Jewellery - Brand - Shaun Leane
Jewellery - Brand - YOKO London
Jewellery - Gemstone - Diamond
Jewellery - Gemstone - Lab Grown Diamond
Jewellery - Gemstone - Coloured Gems
Jewellery - Gemstone - Emerald
Jewellery - Gemstone - Pearl
Jewellery - Gemstone - Ruby
Jewellery - Gemstone - Sapphire
Jewellery - Metal - Platinum
Jewellery - Metal - White Gold
Jewellery - Metal - Yellow Gold
Jewellery - Metal - Rose Gold
Jewellery - Metal - Silver
Jewellery - Metal - Mixed
Jewellery - Shop By Price - Under £100
Jewellery - Shop By Price - £100 - £499
Jewellery - Shop By Price - £500 - £999
Jewellery - Shop By Price - £1000 - £2499
Jewellery - Shop By Price - £2500 - £5000
Jewellery - Specialities - Princess Margaret
Engagement - Explore Our Range
Engagement - Style - Solitaire
Engagement - Style - Halo
Engagement - Style - Trilogy
Engagement - Style - Cluster
Engagement - Style - Lab Grown
Engagement - Style - All Engagement Rings
Engagement - Material - Platinum
Engagement - Material - White Gold
Engagement - Material - Yellow Gold
Engagement - Material - Rose Gold
Engagement - Engagement Rings By Price - Under £1500
Engagement - Engagement Rings By Price - £1500 - £2999
Engagement - Engagement Rings By Price - £3000 - £4999
Engagement - Engagement Rings By Price - £5000 +
Engagement - Engagement Rings By Price - All Engagement Rings
Engagement - Our Diamond Guide - The 4Cs
Engagement - Our Diamond Guide - Diamond Shapes
Engagement - Our Diamond Guide - Diamond Ring Styles
Engagement - Our Diamond Guide - Natural Diamonds
Engagement - Our Diamond Guide - Ring Size Guide
Engagement - Our Diamond Guide - Lab Grown Diamond Guide
Wedding - Explore Our Range
Wedding - Ring Material - White Gold
Wedding - Ring Material - Yellow Gold
Wedding - Ring Material - Rose Gold
Wedding - Ring Material - Platinum
Wedding - Ring Material - Palladium
Wedding - Ring Material - Mixed Metal
Wedding - Ring Material - All Wedding Rings
Wedding - Wedding Rings By Price - Under £1500
Wedding - Wedding Rings By Price - £1500 - £2999
Wedding - Wedding Rings By Price - Over £3000
Wedding - Wedding Rings By Price - All Wedding Rings
Wedding - For The Bride - Ladies Wedding Rings
Wedding - For The Bride - Bracelets & Bangles
Wedding - For The Bride - Earrings
Wedding - For The Bride - Necklaces
Wedding - For The Bride - Jewellery Storage
Wedding - For The Bride - Watches
Wedding - For The Groom - Gents Wedding Rings
Wedding - For The Groom - Gents Jewellery
Wedding - For The Groom - Cufflinks
Wedding - For The Groom - Watches
Wedding - Our Diamond Guide - The 4Cs
Wedding - Our Diamond Guide - Diamond Shapes
Wedding - Our Diamond Guide - Diamond Ring Styles
Wedding - Our Diamond Guide - Natural Diamonds
Wedding - Our Diamond Guide - Ring Size Guide
Wedding - Our Diamond Guide - Lab Grown Diamond Guide
Watches - Explore Our Range
Watches - Category
Watches - Brand - Rolex
Watches - Brand - TUDOR
Watches - Brand - Longines
Watches - Brand - TAG Heuer
Watches - Brand - Tissot
Watches - Brand - Gucci Watches
Watches - Category - Promotional
Watches - Category - Accessories
Watches - Gender - Gents Watches
Watches - Gender - Ladies Watches
Watches - Gender - All Watches
Watches - Watches By Price - Under £1000
Watches - Watches By Price - £1000 - £2999
Watches - Watches By Price - Over £3000
Watches - Watches By Price - All Watches
Gifts & Accessories - Explore Our Range
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Accessories
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Cleaning Products
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Cufflinks
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Homeware
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Jewellery Storage
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Watch Storage
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Writing Instruments
Gifts & Accessories - Brand - Deakin & Francis
Gifts & Accessories - Brand - Georg Jensen
Gifts & Accessories - Brand - Montblanc
Gifts & Accessories - Brand - Rapport
Gifts & Accessories - Brand - WOLF
Gifts & Accessories - Shop By Price - Gifts Under £100
Gifts & Accessories - Shop By Price - Gifts Under £250
Gifts & Accessories - Shop By Price - Gifts Under £500
Gifts & Accessories - Shop By Price - All Gifts & Accessories
Brands - Explore Our Range
Brands - Watch Brands
Brands - Jewellery Brands - Clogau
Brands - Jewellery Brands - FOPE
Brands - Jewellery Brands - Georg Jensen
Brands - Jewellery Brands - Gucci
Brands - Jewellery Brands - Marco Bicego
Brands - Jewellery Brands - Rachel Galley
Brands - Jewellery Brands - Shaun Leane
Brands - Jewellery Brands - YOKO London
Brands - Watch Brands - Rolex
Brands - Watch Brands - Gucci
Brands - Watch Brands - Longines
Brands - Watch Brands - TAG Heuer
Brands - Watch Brands - Tissot
Brands - Watch Brands - TUDOR
Brands - Gift Brands - Deakin & Francis
Brands - Gift Brands - Georg Jensen
Brands - Gift Brands - Montblanc
Brands - Gift Brands - Rapport London
Brands - Gift Brands - WOLF
Special Offers - Explore Our Range
Special Offers - Special Offer Watches
Special Offers - Special Offer Jewellery
Special Offers - Special Offer Watches - Ladies Watches
Special Offers - Special Offer Watches - Gents Watches
Special Offers - Special Offer Watches - All Watches
Special Offers - Special Offer Jewellery - Rings
Special Offers - Special Offer Jewellery - Necklaces
Special Offers - Special Offer Jewellery - Earrings
Special Offers - Special Offer Jewellery - Bracelets & Bangles
Special Offers - Special Offer Jewellery - All Jewellery
Services - Jewellery Re-Purposing
Services - Services - Custom Jewellery Design
Services - Services - Watch & Jewellery Cleaning
Services - Services - Jewellery Repairs
Services - Services - Watch Servicing
Services - Services - Valuations
Services - Services - Insurance
Services - Services - Interest Free Finance
Services - Guides - Our Blog
Services - Guides - Baker Brothers 4Cs
Services - Guides - Natural Diamond Guide
Services - Guides - Lab Grown Diamond Guide
Services - Guides - UK Hallmarking Guide
Services - Guides - FAQ's
Services - About Us - The Baker Brothers Story
Services - About Us - Meet Our Team
Services - About Us - Blog
Services - About Us - Community Fund
My Account - Login
My Account - Cart
My Account - Wishlist
Get In Touch - Contact Us
Get In Touch - Virtual Appointments
How Can We Help?
LiveChat