CITIZENS Advice Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon have issued a stark warning about the rise in the number of scams being reported in the region and the worrying rise of false information being shared on social media.

Scammers are using the ongoing Coronavirus crisis to target people in a variety of ways including emails and SMS text messages.

Some examples which take this form are claiming to be from HMRC offering a tax refund or from the World Health Organisation with a link about a cure.

If you receive an email or SMS text message from someone or an organisation that you do not know or is a trusted source then Citizens Advice Devon’s guidance is clear, do not open it or click any of the links.

Vikki Rowe, Chief Officer from Citizens Advice TNWD, said: “In addition to our warning around email and texts we also need to highlight bogus callers both on the telephone and in person.

“Sometimes this can be from someone purporting to be from a company or indeed a neighbour claiming they are looking out for each other. This can take the form of offering to buy shopping or collect prescriptions but often leads to demanding personal details such as PIN numbers and bank cards.

“Please take note of our advice to display a sign saying No Cold Callers Sticker in plain view at your home. If possible, have a nominated person you know to collect shopping and run errands such as collecting prescriptions. You should report any concerns to the Safer Neighbourhood Police team on 101 if you are feeling you are being targeted in your home.

“This is a deeply distressing and worrying time for people and unfortunately scammers will use any trick. Now more than ever is a time for us all to be on guard and to spread this advice to our friends and families including the elderly and vulnerable.”

Citizens Advice has a large amount of advice on how to check if something might be a scam at: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/check-if-something-might-be-a-scam/ or alternatively you can telephone the Scams Action Fraud line on 0300 123 2040 for more information or to report if you suspect something of being a scam.

Citizens Advice TNMWD is also warning about the large amount of bogus and incorrect information being shared across social networks and on messaging apps between individuals.

They are urging people to seek impartial, correct advice and are signposting people to use trusted sources such as the: www.Gov.uk website, local councils and the Citizens Advice website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk where there is regularly updated bespoke guidance for people facing challenges arising out of the Coronavirus outbreak:

For those who may not have access to the internet or need further advice then Citizens Advice offices are responding to these challenging times by continuing to offer a wide range of advice through telephone and online services.

If you want advice about a consumer issue such as getting a refund for a cancelled holiday or event, please telephone Citizens Advice national Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133.

If you need advice or help to claim Universal Credit, please telephone the national Help to Claim line: 0800 144 8444.

If you need to speak to someone about any other issue, please telelphone the Adviceline: 03444 111444.

All Citizen Advice offices in Devon have stopped face-to-face appointments in line with guidance from Public Health England and the UK Government.

For more information, speak to a Citizens Advice adviser online, or over the telephone. ?Visit: www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk or telephone the Adviceline: 03444 111 444.