While the nation deals with the coronavirus outbreak, scammers and fraudsters are trying to take advantage of the situation. The National Trading Standards Scams Team has produced some useful advice on how to spot potential scams and frauds.
To that end they have produced a handy postcard, which you can download below, with some pointers on what to look out for. We’ve copied the key points below.
Be aware of people selling or offering:
- Coronavirus testing kits – these are only offered by the NHS
- Vaccines or miracle cures – there is currently no vaccine or cure
- Overpriced or fake goods to protect yourself from coronavirus such as anti-bacterial products
- Shopping or medication collection services
- Offers to clean your home of coronavirus
Protect yourself and others:
If you are unsure, check with family and friends before accepting offers of help.
Don’t assume everyone is genuine. It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. If someone attempts to pressure you into accepting a service then they are unlikely to be genuine.
- Don’t be rushed into making a decision, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Only buy goods or services from trusted sellers and think before parting with money or personal information.
It advises that you should contact your bank if you think you have been scammed.
For help or advice, you can call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 11 33. To report a scam call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
If you know anybody who might be vulnerable to scams and frauds, please download and share the advice postcard.