Test and Trace number spoofing, fake holiday refund scams and illegal money lending are among a raft of COVID-19 scams that Plymouth City Council’s Trading Standards team are warning residents to watch out for.
Unscrupulous criminals exploiting fears and uncertainty during the pandemic has led to an increase in scams.
The team has received reports from Plymouth residents and businesses of scams trying to sell fake PPE, along with national reports of phone calls from fake Test and Trace workers trying to get people to part with their cash.
Top 5 Covid Scams
- Test and Trace – anyone who is contacted by the NHS should not be asked to pay for any services.
- Fake PPE - being advertised through websites or social media
- HMRC business grants – check with the Plymouth City Council before applying.
- Council Tax rebates – again check with Plymouth City Council before responding.
- Romance scams – use of these websites have increased during lockdown. Make sure you know who you are speaking to and do not send any money, even if it is an emergency.
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet member for Customer Focus and Community Safety said: ‘Plymouth Trading Standards are working hard to try to make people aware of what scams are being reported to them. My advice to anyone is to stop and think if they receive a phone call, text or email which appears to be suspicious or asks for personal details or money.
“It’s appalling that opportunistic scammers have been taking advantage of people’s worries and concerns during this difficult time.
“No one is immune from scams, so we’re encouraging people to be vigilant and show them what to look out for. With greater awareness, we can stop fraudsters from profiting.”
Plymouth City Council Trading Standards also wants to highlight how vulnerable people with dementia are to scams as they cannot always recognise the early warning signs of a scam.
Ian Sherriff, Academic Partnership Lead For Dementia Primary Care said: “For people living with dementia and their carer, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may increase their susceptibility to the risk of financial abuse due to being home alone, answering telephones and being on the internet more than usual.”
If anyone has any concerns regarding any of the above information they should contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.
Alternatively the Trading Standards South West website offers many free resources, including a guide to help people if they, or a family member, are being affected by a scam.
For more information and download the free guide, visit www.tssw.org.uk/scamwise.