Covid grant scammers target NI businesses

Philip Reaney, who owns Mucky Paws in Markethill, Co Armagh, said he automatically queried the email he received this morning (Thursday November 26).

Mr Reaney, who had worked in IT for 15 years after leaving university, said: “It is a hard enough time for small businesses without being scammed by these individuals.”

The email purports to relate to the Support Scheme Grant Extension and says that the grant has been approved, giving a fake ID number.

It states: “The UK government recognises the continued impact that coronavirus (COVID-19) has had and has taken action to provide support. The Support Scheme Grant Extension provides critical support in the form of two grants, each available for three month periods.

“The first grant will cover a three month period and will be capped at £3,750 in total.

“The scheme for government grant has been approved. “The money are set to land in your bank accounts within six working days of making the claim.” It shares on a clickable link.

Philip warned: “Do not click on the link.”

DUP Cllr Gareth Wilson said: “Always check the email address it’s sent from - in this case it was a scam address. This is important as people are waiting on grant feedback and scammers obviously know this too which is concerning. Triple check before clicking.”

NI man scoops £70k and a De Lorean car in online competition Read full story here

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