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Covid Scams To Be Aware Of On The Isle of Wight

Unscrupulous criminals are exploiting fears about Covid-19 to prey on members of the public, particularly older and vulnerable people who are isolated from family and friends.

National Trading Standards is warning people to remain vigilant following a rise in coronavirus-related scams that seek to benefit from the public’s concern and uncertainty.

Anti-virus kits

Members of the public should ignore scam products such as supplements and anti-virus kits that falsely claim to cure or prevent the virus.

In some cases, individuals may be pressurised on their own doorsteps to buy anti-virus kits or persuaded into purchasing products that are advertised on their social media feeds.

In addition, some call centres that previously targeted UK consumers with dubious health products are now offering supplements that supposedly prevent Covid.


Doorstep criminals

Communities are also being urged to look out for signs of neighbours being targeted by doorstep criminals.

While there are genuine groups of volunteers providing help during self-isolation, there have been reports of criminals preying on residents – often older people or people living with long-term health conditions – by cold-calling their homes and offering to go to the shops for them.

The criminals often claim to represent charities to help them appear legitimate before taking the victim’s money.

There are genuine charities providing support, so consumers should be vigilant and ask for ID from anyone claiming to represent a charity.

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