Criminals have been using the fake fine scam for a long time, warning people they have to pay a fine to the tax office or DVLC, the Police or FBI  etc.

This latest version, that is all too common now, is based on Coronavirus.

Text messages or phone calls tell people their movements have ben observed by tracking their mobile phone or on town centre CCTV or by plain clothes officers and they now must pay a fine e.g. £95 to the Health department.

These are all fake – the Police and other branches of the state do not issue such fines by text message or phone call.

Plus, the method of payment chosen by the scammers is usually Bitcoin or money transfer via Western Union, Moneygram etc. or by buying gift cards and reading out the card number on the phone.

It should be obvious to anyone that such payment methods are not used by official bodies – but by scammers, but some people are sufficiently frightened that they pay, even when unsure if it is a real fine.

Never pay such a fine and if you are really unsure, then contact the organisation directly (not via links or phone numbers in an email)

If you have any experiences with scammers, spammers or time-waster do let me know, by email.