FCA investigating 165 Covid-19-related scams

Fraudsters posed as HMRC agents

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is investigating 165 coronavirus-related scams, according to a freedom of information request (FOI) submitted by the Parliament Street think tank's cyber research team.

In one scam, fraudsters pretended to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), targeting company owners seeking Covid-19 relief grants to help manage their finances throughout the pandemic. Other scams included a targeted effort to steal the login credentials of HSBC customers with business accounts, and attempting to obtain the passport details of financial services workers. The data revealed the scams circulating during the pandemic included contact via emails, phone calls, texts, letters and social media messages. Max Worrall, who is general sales manager of Encompass Corporation, ...