I read this week that there are scammers, preying on the vulnerable during this Coronavirus outbreak. Scams are horrible at any time, but when people are isolating and trusting in people to help them, only to be scammed, it’s horrendous. Please inform those who are vulnerable that they could be targeted and to not trust people they do not know, however friendly and helpful they seem.
Rallying Round
There have been amazing gestures from people on my local Facebook group, so you may have seen the same. Whilst people are panic buying and only caring about themselves, others are showing care and love by offering to help those who can’t get out and about. Doing chores or errands for those who are self isolating and this is wonderful to see. Some people are taking advantage of this. I’ve read reports of people stealing cash or money from debit cards buy offering to do shopping. Simply scamming the poor person.
This not only gives people who are doing it properly, through love and wanting to help, a bad name, it also makes everything worse in the eyes of the person self isolating who is then scammed. Imagine not being able to leave your home or associate with anyone, to then be scammed when you think you’re getting some help. There are scumbags out there and we need to fight back against then.
Lend A Hand
If there are people self isolating who can’t get out to the shops, please consider doing some online shopping for them. There is a huge pressure on deliveries at the moment. Some slots are being booked up over a week in advance. You can order food for a loved one and get it delivered directly to them. This cuts out the need for others to get involved. If they are self isolating, you need to let the supermarket know and the delivery driver will wear gloves and deliver the food in bags rather than crates, leaving it on the doorstep so there is no social contact. Online shopping can be a lifesaver but there is also a shortage of some items due to unnecessary panic buying. Be sure to order a range of foods and also click on accept substitutes.
Key Phrases
Write down or print out a list of key phrases and things to do/not to do if someone comes to the door. Maybe even a script that loved ones can use to deter potential scammers. If someone rings up saying they need their bank details, your loved one can use the script. Phrases like their son/daughter/carer look after this for them. Anything to help keep scammers at bay and keep money in the accounts and hands of your loved ones. Don;t give the scammers what they want.
Be Kind
There are lots of ways to support one another during this difficult time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Please be aware that some people may try and take advantage of that plea. Look after your friends, family and neighbours. Enjoy spending some time together as a family if you all end up in the house together. We’re potentially in this for the long haul so let’s rally around and not let scammers make things worse.
