Beware of Government grant scam emails
14 Dec 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Northumberland County Council’s Trading Standards Service is urging businesses to be on their guard for scam emails offering monetary grants.
The Trading Standards team is issuing the warning after a business in Northumberland received a scam email claiming to offer a Government ‘Support Scheme Grant Extension' of £3,750 which had been pre-approved. It was claimed that this grant covered a 3-month period and inferred that more grants could be available.
Fortunately in this instance the business owner recognised that it was a scam and notified the council, but there are fears that others may fall foul to this scam, especially when genuine government grants are being issued.
Darin Wilson, Business Compliance and Public Safety Unit Manager at Northumberland County Council said:
“Unfortunately there has been a rise in coronavirus-related scams that seek to benefit from the public’s concern and uncertainty over COVID-19. This business grant email is just one of many.
We are urging businesses to be extra vigilant and to be very wary of responding to emails that arrive unexpectedly, particularly if they are offering money and ask for bank details before the money will be issued. Please be extremely cautious if you receive one of these emails and if you are in any doubt whatsoever, do not respond to the email.”
Northumberland County Councillor, cabinet member with responsibility for community services John Riddle said:
“With so many people pulling together to support each other during this crisis so it is very concerning to hear that heartless criminals are exploiting businesses who have had a really turbulent year due to the virus.
“I urge all consumers and business to be vigilant when receiving emails or telephone calls offering these grants or similar opportunities. Please think carefully, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.”
If you received this email or one with similar content and would like further advice, then please contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0345 4040506. You can also report the matter to Action Fraud who can be contacted at www.actionfraud.org.uk/report_fraud