COVID-19 scam prevention advice from Neighbourhood Watch
Sadly, scammers and criminals are already looking for opportunities to scam people as a result of the Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic. Happily, there are many more stories of kindness and generosity but we want to make people aware of the scams as they emerge – which they seem to be on a daily basis.
There have been reports received by Kent Police of people door-knocking and claiming to be from the Health Authority.
What happens:
- The criminal knocks on your door.
- They claim to be from the Health Authority.
- They offer to do COVID-19 testing on residents.
- There are also reports of the criminal offering to take the residents temperature.
This is a scam!
What to do:
- Do not let them in.
- Do not allow them to take any money or details from you.
- Report to Kent Police on 101.
- If you ask them to leave and they don't, contact the police on 999.
Please warn vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours.
Report
There has been a report of an elderly Kent resident who lost money when they gave their bank card to someone who offered to do some shopping for them. They received one of these cards through their door and an individual offered to help, however, they actually stole money from the resident and were not seen again.
Payment
Don’t ever give your bank or card details to anyone, even if you think you know them very well. You could either agree to pay in cash after they have delivered the shopping or pay them online if you have the facility to do so. Or maybe you could agree another method of payment - but never give your bank or card details.
For advice and to report issues to KCC Trading Standards contact
Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133
Consumer Advice scams action line on 0808 250 5050
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.