Scammers using coronavirus to con vulnerable residents

Scammers claiming to be from the NHS’ coronavirus track and trace service have reportedly been targeting vulnerable residents .

It is claimed that the scammers have been phoning residents and telling them they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

The scammers have then told residents to self-isolate for seven days and to take a Covid-19 test within the next 72 hours.

Victims of the scam are told to hand over their bank details so they can pay £50 for the test.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has warned residents to hang up immediately if they receive this call.

One resident, who received one of these scam calls, told the scammers that the NHS wouldn’t charge for the test, but the scammers responded by saying “there are penalties for not complying”.

There have also been reports of scammers turning up to front doors dressed in full PPE equipment and claiming to be from the NHS.

The council have warned that this is a distraction technique.

The council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy, Cllr Sean Morgan, said: “At a time when the NHS is trying to combat Covid-19 with the track and trace strategy, it is both worrying and disappointing that some heartless people are apparently using it to try to scam unsuspecting people out of money.

“Anyone who thinks they may have been targeted in this way, should inform both the police and the council’s Trading Standards team, to help stop it from happening to others.”

Anyone who is contacted by scammers can call Trading Standards on 01443 811300 or Gwent Police on 101.