Action Fraud Have Received Reports of Covid19 Related Scams

Saturday, 28 March 2020 17:12

Action Fraud have received reports of #COVID19 related scams. The majority relate to the online sale of protective items such as facemasks and other items in short supply due to the outbreak, that don't exist..

What scams are we seeing?

The majority of reports are related to online shopping scams where people have ordered protective face masks, hand sanitiser and other products, which have never arrived. Other frauds being reported include ticket fraud, romance fraud, charity fraud and lender loan fraud

Protection advice

Detailed counter fraud advice is available online, including from Scamsmart, ActionFraud, CIFAS, TakeFive, Citizens Advice, Trading Standards and the National Cyber Security Centre.

Reporting to Action Fraud can be done online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

To report offers of financial assistance from HMRC contact phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.

More from Local News

Children and families in Cheshire to benefit from new Child Focused Courts approach

Children and families across Cheshire are set to benefit from a major new approach to family justice designed to reduce delays, improve support for victims of domestic abuse, and ensure children's voices are heard throughout court proceedings.
Stoptober encourages residents to quit smoking as 100-day countdown to a smoke-free generation begins

People across Cheshire West and Chester are being encouraged to join this year's Stoptober campaign and make October the month they quit smoking for good.
Residents invited to help shape the future of Whitby Park

Video

Residents, visitors and park users are being invited to help shape the future of Whitby Park by taking part in a new survey that will inform a long-term masterplan for the popular Ellesmere Port green space.
WREXHAM COMMUNITY THEATRE COMPANY RETURNS WITH BRAND NEW SHOW IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN

With Halloween just around the corner, a Wrexham-based community theatre company is set to return to the stage with a production of a quirky horror comedy musical.
Blues Match Report: Lower Breck 1 - 2 Chester

Video

A brace from Ruben Butt on his full Chester FC debut earned progression to the Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round.
Cheshire West and Chester supports Fairtrade Fortnight 2026

Residents across Cheshire West and Chester are being encouraged to support fairer pay for farmers and workers around the world as the borough marks Fairtrade Fortnight 2026.
Snapchat drug dealers sentenced

Two men who used snapchat to deal cannabis on a commercial scale in Chester have been sentenced.
Appeal for information following serious collision in Chester

Police officers investigating a collision in Chester are appealing for information and witnesses.
Parents warn of “catastrophic tragedy” as school transport cuts leave 11-year-olds stranded on the A41

Tattenhall parents warn of “catastrophic tragedy”, as school transport cuts leave 11-year-olds stranded and standing on dangerous A41 route
Live Facial Recognition technology to be deployed in Chester this weekend

Cheshire Constabulary will be deploying Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology in Chester city centre.
Road to reopen as part of town centre

As part of an experimental trial, Flintshire County Council is to reopen Brunswick Road in Buckley to through traffic and introduce convenience parking from Monday 21st September 2026.
£1 bus travel launched for young people across Cheshire West and Chester

Young people aged 16 to 19 in Cheshire West and Chester will be able to travel on buses for just £1 per single journey.
Peak Cluster carbon capture and pipeline project in Cheshire West and Chester

Cheshire West and Chester Liberal Democrats have joined the near-unanimous cross-party opposition to the controversial Peak Cluster carbon capture and pipeline project in Cheshire West and Chester.
Officers out in force in Blacon for Operation Decisive

Officers have been out in force across Blacon as part of Operation Decisive.
Neighbourhood Plan and Neighbourhood Development Order finalised for Blacon

Cheshire West and Chester Council has now formally ‘made’ the Blacon Neighbourhood Plan and Neighbourhood Development Order, following a successful referendum on 20th August 2026.
Rail passengers urged to check fares before using ‘tap and go’

Flintshire residents are being encouraged to check their rail fare options before travelling to ensure they are not paying more than necessary for journeys.
Free Park and Ride service available for Mold Food and Drink Festival visitors

Visitors travelling to Mold Food and Drink Festival this weekend can take advantage of a free Park and Ride service being provided by Flintshire County Council.
Find out more about Renters Rights and Home Safety

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s next Landlords Forum will discuss what Government changes to legislation mean in practice for private landlords, as well as issues of fire, health and home safety.
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s response to the Thirlwall Inquiry

Here is the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s response to the Thirlwall Inquiry...
Cheshire Police statement following the publication of the Thirlwall Inquiry report

The Thirlwall Inquiry Report has been published following a thorough process spanning three years.

Action Fraud Have Received Reports of Covid19 Related Scams

What scams are we seeing?

Protection advice

More from Local News

Comments