Hoax telephone calls, emails and texts are being sent to householders across the country claiming to be from official government departments. Mara is urging Basingstoke residents to be extra vigilant as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic could increase the risk of anyone, particularly vulnerable people, falling victims to scams and rogue traders.
Hampshire Trading Standard have become aware of an increasing number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) related scams: via email, text, online and on people's doorstep, which include:
- People claiming to offer door-to-door or online testing kits. Residents are warned not to open the door or place an online order.
- Elderly residents who are self-isolating being targeted for help with shopping. Only use trusted sources such as friends and families.
- Emails claiming to be from the Government offering a tax rebate to support people through this challenging time. Online advice available.
- Retailers overcharging for staple items such as toilet rolls
Maria said “No government department will cold call and request personal details, you should only accept offers of help, which involve money or people entering your home, from people you know and trust or from a known voluntary sector community response team.
I urge all Basingstoke residents to be extra vigilant as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic could increase the risk of anyone, particularly vulnerable people, falling victims to scams and rogue traders. Please familiarise yourself with the advice from Hampshire Trading Standards Service team and the latest information on Coronavirus scams from Action Fraud and share it with your family, friends and neighbours, especially if they do not have internet access.”
- Do not hand over money to anyone you do not know.
- You should only accept offers of help, which involve money or people entering your home, from people you know and trust or from a known voluntary sector community response team.
- Asda and M&S have launched volunteer shopping cards.
- Citizens Advice (CitA) has launched advice on coronavirus scams, including a scam checker.
- Please use trusted sources of information only. Full Fact, the independent fact-checking charity, has a fact check page on covid-19 with information on scams and fake news.
Contact Hampshire Trading Standards officers if you are aware, or become suspicious of scams taking place in your neighbourhood, Consumer advice in Hampshire is provided by the Citizens Advice consumer service. It provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues.
Report an issue to Trading Standards or phone the helpline on 0808 223 1133, the service is open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm