Fraudsters cash in on Covid with scam texts

COVID text scams are being used by fraudsters to fleece unsuspecting members of the public.

Alongside fake vaccine offers, crooks have falsely offered payments from HMRC and even issued bogus fines for lockdown breaches.

Hoax Covid business grant forms are also being used to harvest personal information, including bank details.

Nesil Caliskan, of the Local Government Association, urged people to look out for tell-tale signs of fraud, such as website, spelling and grammar mistakes.

She added: “If you receive a text promising money, asking for personal information or asking you to pay a fine, delete it and report it. It may help someone avoid falling victim in future.”