Calderdale residents urged to use trusted sources in this uncertain time

Calderdale Council are signposting people to trusted sites for information, after hearing of a number of online scams which have been circulating through the country during the coronavirus epidemic.
By John Greenwood - Local Democracy Reporter
Published 29th Mar 2020, 16:00 BST
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Among scams the council has heard about include reports of residents receiving text messages claiming to be from the UK Government, offering to pay individuals a sum of money if they follow a web link, and reports of a “free school meals” email scam being sent around.

The council asks people to be mindful of unprompted emails or text messages asking you to send personal information and not to follow any links sent to you from a sender that you do not recognise.

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Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Tim Swift (Lab, Town) said: “As this is a very uncertain and challenging time and there is so much information out there, please make sure you only use information from reliable, trusted sources such as the Government, the NHS, Public Health England and the council.”

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Trusted information sites include www.gov.uk/coronavirus, www.nhs.uk/coronavirus and www.calderdale.gov.uk/coronavirus

The council is also supporting law and order partners to help combat the epidemic including West Yorkshire Police who will be dispersing gatherings and have the authority to fine those who are not adhering to the restrictions.

“Our main priority is to help keep people safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19,” says the council.