County chiefs put out virus scam warning

Denbighshire businesses are being warned about scams as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malicious email attachments, false government grant phone calls and impersonation scams have led National Trading Standards to launch Businesses Against Scams – a free online training tool to help protect businesses from costly scams.

With remote working and many businesses having to diversify their trading practices, criminals are seizing the opportunity to target employees isolated from colleagues.

Scams include criminals impersonating government officials or a senior member of the business to pressure employees to give out sensitive information or make payments.

Cllr Mark Young, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “As a council we are supporting Businesses Against Scams and I would encourage traders in the county make use of this free resource.

“It is important businesses are aware of scams at this time and do everything they can to protect themselves. At a time when businesses are facing unprecedented challenges these scams are adding further unnecessary strain. Taking part in this training will help protect against these scams.”

Criminals will try and gain access to businesses devices and networks by sending emails with malicious attachments, exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems if they are not up-to-date and trying to get you to click links or visit malicious websites.

Scams targeting customers also undermine businesses, as criminals often impersonate businesses to defraud their customer base, causing reputational damage and potential loss of business.

Louise Baxter, Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team, said: “Criminals will use every opportunity they can to defraud innocent people. They will continue to exploit every angle of this national crisis and we want businesses to be prepared. We’ve launched Businesses Against Scams as a free tool for organisations to help them protect their business, their staff and their customers.”

If a business believes they have been the victim of a scam they must contact their bank immediately and report any suspicious activity to Action Fraud www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Businesses Against Scams is a new element of the successful Friends Against Scams initiative, run by National Trading Standards, and to sign up visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/BAS