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'Free IT Help' scam in COVID-19 crisis

Published on 01 April 2020 12:38 PM

Businesses and the public alike are seeing a huge rise in ‘phishing’ emails which attempt to take advantage of the public’s fears around coronavirus. 

Emails referring to miracle cures, hidden government reports, or financial support, all want you to ‘click on the link’ for more information. 

These malicious links could lead you to a ransomware attack, malicious software being installed on your computer or an attempt to steal your credentials.

The Police & Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd, is committed to supporting Hertfordshire businesses in the fight against crime.  To raise awareness of the threat of cybercrime to SMEs, the PCC is funding FREE cyber health checks for small businesses.

In response to the indiscriminate nature of the pandemic we are widening the criteria for businesses that are eligible. So you If your business has fewer than 10 employees (previously five), you can have an accredited Hertfordshire IT company carry out a free Cyber Basics Review using video link technology to make sure that your business is getting the basics right. 

When complete, you will be provided with an action plan which shows you where you are vulnerable and what you need to do to put it right.

There is no buying or selling involved, it’s simply a crime prevention service.

Police Contact Advice:

  • Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a drime is in progress
  • Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance isrequired, to report a crime or to report any other incidents, Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per calls
  • Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service.