On the go: Aviva has launched an online scam reporting service in response to the influx of fraudulent activity by those exploiting the coronavirus crisis and people’s vulnerability at this time.
The tool, launched on Tuesday, will allow people to report suspected fraud in order to receive personal guidance on what action they should take.
The service can be accessed via Aviva’s new Fraud Hub on its website. It allows people to report any suspicious contact that appears to be from Aviva, whether it be by person, post, email, call or text – particularly those that relate to insurance, savings and retirement products.
Aviva’s financial crime intelligence unit will investigate every incident that is reported and will give guidance to individuals about what they should do.
Matt Chapman, group fraud risk director at Aviva, said: “We believe we have a responsibility to work in partnership with the industry to protect people from financial crime – particularly where the Aviva brand name is being used without our consent.
“The types of financial scams and misleading consumer advice we’re seeing right now are not much different to those we see at any other time.
“Sadly, though, it’s during this difficult time that fraudsters are using coronavirus to take advantage of unprecedented levels of consumer fears over money. The industry needs to work together to support each other and our customers.”
The launch of the service comes at a time when there has been a significant increase in the number of scams as fraudsters look to exploit the ongoing coronavirus crisis and lockdown.
According to Action Fraud, there was a 400 per cent increase in coronavirus-related fraud reports from February to March as opportunistic scammers attempt to exploit savers experiencing serious financial strain and looking to access their savings.
This article originally appeared on ftadviser.com
