Amongst all the worry and danger embodied so well today by Covid-19 we see not selfishness and meanness but compassion and generosity. Every day I am struck by the good will and the dedication of so many to make the world a better place and to sacrifice something of themselves for someone else. Captain Tom Moore and Dabirul Islam Choudhury have both at the age of 100 given up hours of their time and expended a huge amount of effort to help others less fortunate and to raise money for charity. The response across the country has been heart-warming, and we have seen Churches, Mandirs, Mosques and Gurdwaras all working together for people of every culture, creed and religion.
In my constituency we have seen no less compassion, I am proud to have worked with Kulcha Express, who have delivered food to local frontline staff in the NHS, Police and Fire Service, and helped Vishwa Hindu Sewa Pariwar bring PPE to care homes in Norwood Green. Ealing Council have led London and been given responsibility for purchasing PPE for all boroughs, and not only that, they have also been the swiftest council in the country in distributing grants to eligible local businesses, with over 99.5% of funds already paid out. Our response locally has been world beating. It seems like the whole world is stepping up, and others across my constituency, TKC, VHS and Sarwana Bhawan for example, have also supported thousands of people working on the frontline saving lives, or those who have lost their jobs. All the charities and businesses that have contributed and worked to save lives and help people – thank you.
Sadly, not everyone though is acting so scrupulously. That’s why I am launching this campaign here in Asian Voice calling on everyone to be vigilant, to look out for each other and not be taken in by scams and frauds. I am worried that as the Covid-19 crisis has spread on our streets, so it has emboldened the crooks that pray on the good people wanting to help the most. I have heard stories in my constituency of fake charities writing to people, of false appeals on social media and in emails and of door to door visits collecting cash to fight Covid-19 only for it to end up in the pockets of criminals.
There are a number of worrying trends in fraud, preying particularly on those keen to help those affected by Covid-19. I have heard stories of fraudsters knocking on doors and offering to do shopping for older people who are shielding, before running off with their money. Some burglars have been distracting people with the offer of a free temperature test and then, while the homeowner is distracted, burgling the house. Online has seen a new range of opportunities for fraud too, and the worries so many have about money means emails impersonating HMRC have become far more common and fake emails from your doctor or the NHS sometimes look for private personal information. Another regular scam is fake websites offering face masks or hand sanitizer at low prices or when they are sold out elsewhere. Remember, if it’s not a trustworthy website don’t use it!
We have to stand together to oppose this kind of completely deplorable and unscrupulous behaviour. As such I have asked the Minister for the Cabinet Office what actions his department is taking to combat a worrying increase in scams during the lockdown, to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions about the worrying incidence of older people being defrauded and I have written to the Home Secretary asking her what steps she is taking to ensure that those perpetrating these vile crimes are stopped and punished appropriately.
So, I urge everyone to be vigilant. It doesn’t mean don’t volunteer or give generously, just to check who you are giving to, and make sure they are a trustworthy organisation. Charities should be registered, and you can check this with the Charity Commission on gov.uk/find-charity-information. There are loads of amazing causes out there, thousands of volunteers giving their time and effort, we just need to make sure that the ones we support are honest and real. Our communities, villages, towns and cities have come together in this crisis. Don’t let a criminal few ruin our wonderful community spirit.
