Fraud and scams

How to avoid being scammed:

• There are unverified reports of fraudsters going door to door claiming to be NHS staff conducting COVID-19 (Coronavirus) tests. NHS staff are not going door to door - do not let them into your house but do inform the police. Find out more form Action fraud uk. 
• Please ignore and report fraudsters suggesting they are from the NHS offering to provide you with a Covid-19 (Coronavirus) home test.
• The Government has only sent one text message to the public regarding new rules about staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Any other or ongoing messaging claiming to be from the Government is false, please disregard and report this.
• Do not share your bank details and PIN numbers with anyone, or give cash to someone you do not know and trust. If you receive an email or text asking for you personal financial details, disregard this and do not respond or click on any links or attachments.
• Rogue traders are still trying to illegally scam residents. Tradespeople should not be cold calling or door knocking offering house maintenance or building work.

Any residents concerned about a cold call they have received contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 who will ensure that the relevant local Trading Standards team is informed.

Report profiteering

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has now set up an online reporting tool where you can report cases of profiteering. A small number of traders are also increasing the price of essential goods like hand sanitiser antibacterial soap and toilet rolls. If you come across anti-competitive trading practice, please report it.