Durham County Council has issued a warning after new parents were targeted by cold call fraudsters taking advantage of the pandemic.
Fraud and trading standard teams are urging people to be on guard as opportunist criminals will try to exploit the uncertainty around the outbreak.
There have been reports of hoax telephone calls claiming to be from Durham County Council services, including registrars and the County Durham Together community hub.
Calls pretending to be the authority's community hub and asking for bank account /bank card details are being reported.
A member of the public received a call claiming to be from Durham County Council Registration services.
The cold caller advised the need to take card details for payment to register the birth of a child. Births are currently not being registered due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Anne Robson, superintendent registrar with Durham County Council, said:
“We would never contact the public seeking information and payment in this way.”
Deaths are, however, being registered over the phone with a strict verification system to adhere to.
The council have urged the public to check the person or organisation making the request.
Joanne Waller, head of community protection with Durham County Council, said:
“In these changing times, we would urge the public and business to take care when contacted by people by phone, email or letter seeking payments or personal and financial information.
"Take the time to check out the person or organisation making the request to confirm that they are in fact genuine.”
The council also will not seek payment to be made or ask for personal and credit card information for birth registrations.
The County Durham Together hub offer support to the community during the pandemic.
Where no other support is available, the hub may provide food parcels or essential shopping. In this case, payment procedures will be discussed during the conversation.
The hub will never ask for bank account or bank card details. Anyone who is asking for those details is a scammer and no details should be given.
Paul Bradley, chief internal auditor, and corporate fraud manager said:
“Fraudsters are taking advantage of these unprecedented times, with the fraud threat higher in emergency situations.
"We encourage anyone who has any concerns to report fraud and scams to Durham County Council.
"Your information will be taken seriously and will be investigated. If you wish you can remain anonymous.”
