COVID-19 Advice for individuals - Coronavirus scams

It is disappointing that we have to warn people to beware of new scams which are surfacing as some try to take advantage of this pandemic in order to try and steal from those worried about their health or finances. One to watch out for is what appears to be a message from the Government offering £258 to everyone as COVID-19 RELIEVE and an apparent Council Tax web page. 

Action Fraud said there were 105 reports of coronavirus-related fraud since 1 February 2020, with total losses amounting to £970,000. There were 20 reports of COVID-19 scams last month and a further 85 during March. 

Most reports were related to online shopping scams, specifically targeting people who had ordered protective face masks and hand sanitiser.

Coronavirus-themed phishing emails offering bogus investment schemes and trading advice have also been reported, along with fake tax rebates.

The Government have published some useful information about protecting yourself against coronavirus scams here.