Yahoo News Coronavirus conman warning after man barges into home of pensioner, 83
Conmen are taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis to prey on elderly and vulnerable people, with one man reportedly barging into the home of an 83-year-old woman and demanding money.
The BBC reported that the man claimed he was “from health and safety” and needed to check the woman’s property, then demanded £220 from her.
He left empty-handed after the woman, who has dementia and was following guidance to stay at home, told him she only had 20 pence.
National Trading Standards has warned people to stay vigilant after seeing a rise in coronavirus-related scams, especially on older and vulnerable people who are isolated from their family and friends.
It comes after HMRC last month warned people to beware of a coronavirus scam email offering people a tax refund due to the outbreak.
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Trading Standards urged people to ignore scam products such as supplements and anti-virus kits that claim to cure or prevent COVID-19 and also urged people to look out for neighbours being targeted by “doorstep criminals”.
It said criminals have been preying on elderly people by knocking on their door and offering to go to the shops with them, as well as by offering services to clean drives and doorways to prevent the spread of the virus.
Criminals are also targeting vulnerable people through online scams as well as on the phone, plus people encouraging victims to ‘donate’ cash for a coronavirus vaccine.
National Trading Standards chair Lord Toby Harris said: “At a time when neighbourhoods and communities are coming together to support each other, it is despicable that heartless criminals are exploiting members of the public – including some of our most vulnerable citizens – to line their own pockets.”
He added: “I urge everyone to be on their guard for possible COVID-19 scams and to look out for vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours who may become a target for fraudsters.
“We’re calling on communities to look out for one another. If you see anything suspicious, report it to Action Fraud or to speak to someone for advice, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.”
People are being encouraged to protect their neighbours by joining Friends Against Scams, which provides free online training to empower people to take a stand against scams. To complete the online modules, visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk.
