Scam calls ‘could surge as coronavirus lockdown eases’

Households could find themselves being pestered by more scam phone calls as Covid-19 lockdown measures ease and illegitimate call centres around the world get back to work, National Trading Standards is warning.

It said the coronavirus pandemic has provided new opportunities for telephone scammers to take advantage of people.

National Trading Standards said it has already taken action to stop automated calls in which people have been urged to purchase face masks and hand sanitiser, with false claims made that the personal protective equipment was a Government requirement.

It is offering 700 free call blockers on a first-come-first-served basis for households looking to prevent nuisance calls.

Devices will need to be installed by those applying.

More information is at www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/callblocker.

Louise Baxter, head of the National Trading Standards scams team, said: “Scam callers are relentless and often leave their intended victims feeling scared, anxious and unsafe in their own homes.”