Aviva has launched an online scam reporting service in a bid to protect potential victims of fraudsters attempting to take advantage of worries and fears over the Covid-19 pandemic.
The online reporting tool will allow recipients of suspected fraudulent messages to actively report the activity in order to receive personal guidance on what action to take.
Its launch follows Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, revealing a 400% increase in coronavirus-related fraud reports from February to March.
The scam reporting service can be accessed via Aviva’s new Fraud Hub on its website. The service allows anyone to report any suspicious contact—particularly those which relate to insurance, savings and retirement products—that appears to be from Aviva, whether it be in person, or by post, email, call or text.
Aviva’s financial crime intelligence unit will investigate every incident reported, respond, and give guidance to individuals about what action to take.
The new Fraud Hub also offers practical tips and information about how best to protect against fraud. Aviva will regularly update these resources as fraudsters’ tactics evolve.
Matt Chapman, group fraud risk director at Aviva said: “The launch of our scam reporting service is an important step forward in helping to protect our customers and the public from fraud. 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. We’re adapting and utilising our existing operations, experience and skills to protect people, and their money, at a time when they are arguably more vulnerable than ever.”
Chapman added that Aviva was one of the first insurers to launch such an online reporting tool that “allows people to actively report suspected fraudulent activity in order to receive personal guidance on what action to take”.
He continued: “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.”
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