We’re aware that recently there have been instances of individuals contacting farmers offering to assist them with their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) claim as a way of trying to fraudulently obtain their bank account numbers and other personal details.
These individuals do not represent the RPA and are likely to be trying to obtain this information for criminal activity. In the run up to the BPS deadline we would therefore encourage you to be particularly vigilant when dealing with emails and telephone calls from sources you are unsure about.
If you have any doubt about someone claiming to represent the RPA then please call the RPA helpline on 03000 200 301 and they will be able to confirm if they are genuine.
There are a number of things you can do to try to limit the chances of this happening to you:
- Ensure that your anti-virus software is kept up to date
- Check all links in emails are from a trusted source before you click on them. If in doubt please call the RPA helpline
- We’ll never phone you and ask for your bank account details in order for you to be registered
- Be wary of cold callers even if they appear to already have information about you and your business
More information on how to stay safe when online can be found at https://www.getsafeonline.org/.
If you’re in any doubt, please call the RPA on 03000 200 301.