The webpage provides information on warning signs for COVID-19 financial scams, such as unexpected contact or requests for personal information.
Financial services firm Quilter has launched a new ‘stay safe’ webpage for customers and advisers concerned about financial scams during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The webpage provides information regarding warning signs, such as unexpected contact, requests for personal or financial information, and unnecessary time pressure.
It also provides users with guidance on how to protect themselves, as well as signposting towards resources such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Register and Companies House.
The page also directs readers towards in-depth guidance on how to protect their identity, protect against fraud and improve their internet security.
Matt Burton, chief risk officer at Quilter, said: “This is a difficult time for all of us and of course everyone’s number one focus is on the imminent threat to public health, and the need to stay safe and protect themselves and others.
“But we also need to be cautious about the need to stay safe financially.
“Regrettably, a small number of unscrupulous individuals are seeking to exploit the current situation for financial fraud.
“Currently COVID-19 themed phishing domains are being registered at a rate of 1,500 per day with around 250,000 spam emails being sent from them.
“Financial services companies are being more flexible to keep the economy going and allow customers to continue to complete transactions despite the current restrictions.
“This includes carrying out more transactions online, sending documentation by email rather than post, and accepting digital authorisations rather than a wet signature.
“These steps are needed where social distancing measures mean people cannot meet with their adviser face to face, for example.
“Whilst such measures are necessary, they can increase the risk of fraud so it is crucial to be vigilant and know how to spot the signs of a scam.”
