Scam predators still targeting the vulnerable in lockdown
‘LOW-LIFE predators’ are targeting vulnerable people and duping them of their cash by pretending to be coronavirus test and trace officials.
Fareham Borough Council issued the warning about the con, which has been in operation for several weeks.
The scam sees criminals calling up their victim and claiming to be from the NHS’s Test and Trace team.
The conmen warn their unwitting target they will have to self-isolate for two weeks – and then ask for bank details.
The deception is the latest in a string of cons by crooks, who have been targeting people across Hampshire during lockdown.
Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council, has now warned people to be on their guard.
He said: ‘These people are absolute low-lives. Unfortunately there is always somebody looking to take advantage of a bad situation.
‘And when people are vulnerable and worried, there are predators who will prey on it. We’ve had people turning up offering to do food shops for people, getting their credit cards and then not using them to shop for food.
‘We have seen some awful activities going on and people just absolutely need to be aware – nobody is going to ring them up asking them for details if they’re from any reputable sort of organisation.’
The warning is the latest by the council chief, who is also the county councillor responsible for trading standards in
Hampshire.
NHS Test and Trace aims to stem the spread of coronavirus by asking those with positive test results to share details about the people they’ve been in contact with recently who may have caught the virus as a result.
The NHS will get in touch with those who have been in contact with any positive cases.