Coronavirus – Avoid fraud and scams
Unfortunately, reports are being received of unscrupulous traders and scammers who are using the Coronavirus pandemic situation for their own ends.
Examples from around the country include:
- Offers to help with shopping but then taking money and never returning
- Spray cleaning driveways to clear bacteria
- Posing as door to door testers
- Sale of facemasks and or hand sanitisers
- HMRC tax refund fraud
- Overpricing of goods and services
Preventing scams or fraud
Specific advice has been launched by Trading Standards to draw people’s attention to this problem as part of their wider national ‘Friends Against Scams’ initiative.
It is important that the public remain vigilant for such practices and look out for vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours.
Information and resources are available on the Friends Against Scams website and via social media:
Twitter: @AgainstScams Facebook: @FriendsAgainst
Reporting scams or fraud
Please share any concerns or direct experiences you may have so that Trading Standards can investigate and work to prevent further incidents.
For advice on scams call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133
To report a scam call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040
If you are in immediate danger, contact the police on 999
When reporting a concern or incident please provide as much information as possible.
26th March 2020
