Beware of face mask scam

‘DESPICABLE’ scammers are using the coronavirus crisis to defraud hundreds of thousands of pounds from the public, Halton residents have been warned.

Action Fraud has received 21 reports where the virus, also known as Covid-19, has been mentioned to hoodwinked victims.

Ten cases related to bogus facemask sales where unwitting consumers made bulk purchases, only for the goods to never be delivered.

One victim reported losing more than £15,000.

Action Fraud said it expects numbers to increase as the virus spreads.

It also warned of multiple ‘phishing’ scams preying on victims using the coronavirus to dupe victims into handing over their personal details or opening malicious files.

Internet users have been urged not to respond to unsolicited calls and emails that ask for personal or bank details, to never click on links or attachments in suspicious emails, to research companies before purchasing online and where possible use a credit card as most credit card companies insure purchases, and lastly to keep digital devices up to date with updates and anti-virus and antimalware software.

Police in Frodsham have also warned that the Red Cross has reported cases of bogus callers knocking at residents’ homes posing as representatives from the charity offering to test them for the virus and charging them for it.

The Red Cross said it is not carrying out home tests.

East Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury branded the scammers ‘despicable’.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “This is despicable. We have a national and international crisis yet the fraudsters still play on the vulnerable. Take care of each other all. #coronavirus.”

Victims should call Cheshire police on 101.