Beware of coronavirus scammers targeting the vulnerable: council
People should be wary of coronavirus scams such as fake or overpriced goods, including hand sanitiser. Picture: Philip Toscano/PA Wire - Credit: PA
Beware of scammers trying to make a quick profit out of the vulnerable during the coronavirus epidemic, the council has warned.
Coronavirus related scams are being reported across the council trading standards officers have become aware of things that everyone - especially the vulnerable - should look out for while staying at home.
These include people trying to sell virus testing kits - these are only given out by the NHS - and vaccines or miracle cures, which don’t exist.
You should be wary of people offering shopping, medical or cleaning services.
There have also been reports of businesses selling overpriced or fake goods to protect you from the virus, such as hand sanitisers.
You may also want to watch:
The community is advised not to agree to anything that hasn’t been arranged through the council or the NHS.
Councillor Margaret Mullane, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: “Despite this being a public health crisis, there are a very small minority of people that try and take advantage of our most vulnerable.
Most Read
- 1 Former council offices to be transformed into 'workspace and cultural hub'
- 2 Barking butcher 'thankful' for loyal customers through pandemic
- 3 Butcher fined £40k for selling 'poor quality chicken'
- 4 Dagenham school receives Unicef UK award
- 5 Barking and Dagenham Council chief executive to depart
- 6 Parade through Barking celebrates borough's 'inspirational' youngsters
- 7 Man in 50s stabbed in Barking
- 8 Stephen Port victims' delayed inquest set to begin in Barking
- 9 No disgrace as Dagenham fall to first defeat of the season
- 10 Hospitality Day: Barking and Dagenham's favourite cafe, pub and restaurant revealed
“These scammers are clever and manipulative, but don’t fall for their tricks.”
To avoid becoming a scam victim, you should always check who is at the door before opening it, ask to see ID, and never agree to anything you don’t believe is legitimate.
If you’re concerned about a trader or suspicious individual, email tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk to report them.
