COVID-19 - Coronavirus scams

Beware of COVID-19 scams

Unscrupulous criminals are exploiting fears about COVID-19 to prey on members of the public, particularly older and vulnerable people who are isolated from family and friends.

National Trading Standards is warning people to remain vigilant following a rise in coronavirus-related scams that seek to benefit from the public’s concern and uncertainty over COVID-19.

16 April 2020: Scam Alert

Telephone cold calls claiming to be distributing masks and hand sanitiser to ‘over 50s.'

We are warning residents to be alert for telephone cold calls which claim to be arranging to distribute ‘face masks and hand sanitiser’ to ‘over 50s’.

In some calls the cold callers are claiming to be from the ‘Preservation Society’ and are engaging the call recipient by discussing current coronavirus social isolation advice before stating they are distributing these items to people over 50. The cold caller then attempts to take a payment of £29 for this.

Our advice is always be very wary of any approach made in a telephone cold call and never give or confirm any personal or financial details if approached in this manner

You can report suspicious telephone cold calls to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.