New Omicron Jab:
There is to be a new Omicron Covid vaccine to be rolled out within the next few weeks, as the UK become the first country to approve the specifically tailored jab, ahead of fears for winter spikes. With the rollout for the latest booster, there are concerns that covid related fraud may increase as a result, with criminals targeting potential victims with vaccine scams, not too dissimilar to the ones seen previously. This will be an area which will continue to be monitored.
Energy Price Cap:
With the severe increase in the energy price cap reported, fraudsters are likely to seize this opportunity to exploit those looking to change energy provides and/or tariffs. Individuals are being warned to be vigilant to avoid falling victim to new campaigns associated with energy supplies, for examples offers which seem too good to be true or fake rebates.
Cost of Living Crisis:
With the cost of living crisis deepening scammers will be using the economic downturn to their own benefit. The warning comes as many are due to receive a first instalment of a cost of living payment, worth £326.
Reports have been received by Action Fraud of fraudsters attempting to exploit vulnerable people with the promise of money saving schemes, including, energy and council tax rebates or phishing exercises encouraging individuals to apply/ claim a ‘cost of living payment’ via text, followed by an email to gain further information from the victim.
Source: Sep and Oct 2022 (ourwatch) (pdf)
