Report Page 4 - Southport, Formby, Liverpool, 2020-10-18

News reports located on this page = 2.

TV presenter Matt Allwright joins Crimestoppers in helping the public in the North West to spot signs of Covid fraud

SUPPORT comes as charity launches the Crimestoppers COVID Fraud Hotline and appeals for public to report anonymously those illegally benefiting from Government grants and loans. Matt Allwright is supporting a new Crimestoppers hotline that has been launched to help stop fraudsters illegally targeting Covid stimulus schemes.

In an initiative between Government and the independent charity Crimestoppers, the public can now call the new Crimestoppers COVID Fraud Hotline (08005875030) anonymously and free of charge to report suspected fraudulent activity or a simple and secure anonymous online form can be completed at:- CovidFraudHotline.Org. Over 150 Covid support schemes have been introduced by the Government to help those struggling financially, but a minority of individuals have been abusing these schemes by claiming loans and grants illegally.

TV Presenter and Journalist Matt Allwright says:- "It's been a really difficult time for everyone, and it seems fraudsters are taking the opportunity to profit. You can help the Crimestoppers Covid Fraud Hotline give vital information on those fraudulently taking advantage of Covid support packages. Always check your accounts and if there are any anomalies; ask yourself, who has got in touch with your business recently as they could have used your identity and taken out a loan or grant on your behalf. If you are worried and think you may have been defrauded, please call the Covid Fraud Hotline and remember, it's completely anonymous."

Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, says:- "Fraud against the public purse denies access to vital funds that benefit us all. It's crucial that anyone across our region who has information or knows of someone who has fraudulently claimed Government grants or loans to contact our charity completely anonymously and tell us what you know. The Crimestoppers Covid Fraud Hotline is open 24/7, 365 days a year on:- 08005875030 or fill in the simple and secure anonymous form at:- CovidFraudHotline.Org. You'll be doing the right thing to help ensure the public purse is protected from fraudsters."

Although fraud is a hidden crime and can take a great deal of time to be discovered, Matt is helping the public look out for tell tale signs to stop them becoming victims of fraud. These can include unusual buying activity by companies and individuals, to cold calling by those falsely claiming they are from the Government offering money for schemes. Specific types of fraud could include identity theft to obtain loans, false claims for grants, misrepresentation and use of mule accounts.

To show his support for this new campaign, Matt and Crimestoppers share their tips on what the public should look out for and on how to prevent themselves from being subject to Covid fraud:-

► Unusual Business Activity - Has a company purchased high value goods suddenly without the usual checks and balances you would expect? Have you seen direct payment into your accounts or the accounts of other people you know from sources unknown to you? Could the funds have come from a Government scheme in the form of a loan taken out in your name or company name? If so, please contact the Covid Fraud Hotline.

► Cold calling - People working on behalf of the Government to provide support will not be required to cold call at any time to obtain financial details or encourage you to sign up for grants or loans. This fraudulent approach can take place over the phone, online or in person. If you have been approached by someone who has requested these details and you feel they are not legitimate, please call the hotline.

► Loan / Grant Brokers - During the Covid19 pandemic, were you contacted by an organisation or individual claiming they could provide assistance with gaining your business a Government grant or loan? Did you engage with them, and provide your financial details to the organisation? If you did not receive your grant or loan after paying a fee for this service, or later found that Government money intended for your business was stolen did you report this information? If you did not report this at the time, please contact the hotline.

The Government has partnered with the independent charity Crimestoppers to provide an anonymous hotline to gather information to ensure it carefully guards public resources paid for by the taxpayer for vital services like Hospitals and Schools.

Please note that people using Crimestoppers can be reassured to know that their Computer IP addresses are never traced and no one will ever know you contacted them. For telephone calls, Crimestoppers also do not use number caller line display and do not use the:- 1471 facility and never traced a call to them.

Southport Architecture Practice expand into new premises

A Southport architect practice has recently expanded into a new commercial premises to meet its growing order book, backed by financial support from Barclays. Clayton Architecture, based in Ainsdale, Southport, is a fully RIBA Chartered and ARB Registered Architecture Practice who work alongside homeowners, developers and contractors on bespoke house extensions, custom new build homes and housing developments.

Joseph Clayton, Managing Director of Clayton Architecture Ltd, said:- "Barclays was able to support us despite COVID 19 and have really understood our business and what we want to achieve; it was great to have a bank with a dedicated relationship manager who was contactable throughout the whole process despite the process running into the lockdown period! The new premises have been critical in the growth of the practice. The support from Barclays has allowed us some freedom for self investment and given some additional financial headroom, which has proven invaluable this year. During lockdown, we were prepared to work remotely and with the extra funds were able reinvest in new design software, better quality assurance systems and a virtual reality headset, which is already starting to prove its worth! Once we get through this period, we will be looking to expand our staff numbers, take on new projects and heavily reinvest so that our practice continues to be desirable for homeowners looking for that bespoke extension and investors looking for assistance with their property investments."

The Barclays funding package was put together by Sharon Harrison at Barclays National Broker Team. Ana Rowlands, Barclays Business Manager, added:- "I'm delighted to continue to support Joe Clayton and his team with their expansion plans; Clayton Architecture is an important part of the local business community and we look forward to working with Joe to ensure their continued future growth and success. This has to be not only good for the firm but for the local economy."