Don't get caught out by fraudsters

Fraudsters are taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to target vulnerable individuals, and will exploit any means they can for financial or other gains.

The council has been made aware today (Friday 3 April) that a number of residents have received scam letters, seemingly from Cheltenham Borough Council. The scam fines are for disrespecting the self-isolation policy and breaching the daily exercise guidelines set by government during the current COVID19 crisis.

Anyone receiving such a letter should report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, and if anyone has given their bank card details they should contact their bank and the police immediately.

Residents can also call the police on non-emergency number 101 and quote incident 231 of 3 April, or visit the police website for more information about fraud.

Cllr Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, says: “Please be vigilant at this time. These letters have been sent out on council headed paper and look incredibly convincing.

“If anyone is in doubt they should call our customer services team on 01242 262626 and also remind their friends, family including elderly relatives and neighbours to be cautious.”

For additional information please visit the council's web page: www.cheltenham.gov.uk/covid-19-fraud-advice.
 

For media enquiries, contact: communications, email [email protected], telephone 01242 264154.

Further information and contacts:
Find more information at the National Cyber Security Centre.
Help and advice can also be found at Gloucestershire’s Community Help Hub.
 
Anyone who suspects that they have been the target or victim of a scam should report it to Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.
Any matters can also be reported to the council’s counter fraud unit, who work on behalf of councils across Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire. Emails are in confidence [email protected].