A number of scams have targeted residents on the Isle of Wight this week, according to Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership (IWASP)
Trading standards have reported people receiving phone calls claiming to be from Open Reach, saying they're in your area and there's a problem with your line.
The caller asks the receiver to log into their laptop or PC and download an app. This app is a scam and residents are warned not to download it.
Texts and calls claiming to be HMRC have also been reported. Sometimes they will indicate you're entitled to a refund, other times the calls can come across in an intimidating manner. There have been reports of the of accusations that you owe money, threatening arrest if you don't do what they say. Both are scams, IWASP said HMRC will never contact you in this way.
A phone call is also circulating saying that your national insurance number has been compromised and asking you to press 1, this would lead to the caller trying to gain your personal or banking information. Hang up if you receive this call.
Lastly, there's a Whatsapp message going around called Martinelli. It tells you to share it with your contacts so that nobody falls victim to it, but the actual Whatsapp message itself is the scam and is designed to mine as much contact information as it can for future scams. Do not share it!
Scam texts can be forwarded to 7726 and scam emails sent on to [email protected] where the information will be gathered and used for intelligence.
Report scams online: Action Fraud or on the phone: 0300 123 2040.
A short video aimed at raising awareness around scams and doorstep crime is available at www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk