Coronavirus (COVID-19): increased risk of fraud and cybercrime against charities

Fraudsters are exploiting the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to carry out fraud and cybercrime. Police have reported an increase in coronavirus related scams.

We are issuing this alert to help charities minimise the risk of becoming a victim of such frauds and cyber-attacks.

All charities, but especially those providing services and supporting local communities during the coronavirus crisis, could be targeted by fraudsters.

Webinar about the risks of coronavirus frauds: what to watch out for and how to stay safe

The Fraud Advisory Panel and Charity Commission have pre-recorded a webinar with sector partners to help you spot COVID-19 related fraud, and better protect your charity from harm.

We are joined by fraud experts from the City of London Police and Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy who share practical advice and tips.

Scam emails (‘phishing’)

Be vigilant. Do not click on links or attachments in unexpected or suspicious emails. Never respond to unsolicited messages or phone calls that ask for your personal or financial details.

The police have already noted an increase in phishing attacks.

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) guidance about phishing attacks.

Report potential phishing messages to the NCSC through the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS).

Example of this type of fraud

Fraudsters claim to be from a legitimate organisation and able to provide information that could be of assistance to local charities, such as a list of at-risk elderly people in a local community who may require support from the charity. The victim has to click on a link to get the information. This leads to a fake website or asks the victim to make a cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin) payment.