Advice on potential COVID-19 related scams
How to be aware of potential COVID-19 scams in person and online and how to protect yourself.
Some individuals have taken advantage of vulnerable people by posing as door-to-door COVID-19 testers and vaccinators to get access to their homes. The Met has advice on how to protect yourself from online and in person fraud.
Some people will try to cash in on people’s vulnerability, at a time when they may be distracted by concerns around COVID-19. Make sure you are protecting yourself and your family.
What to do if someone knocks at your door
If someone knocks at your door claiming to be from a company or organisation, first check their ID carefully. If you’re not happy, then ask the person to wait outside, shut the door and contact the organisation by using a trusted method. If they’re genuine, they’ll understand.
Be aware of online scams and courier fraud by text
Fraudsters may well exploit this unprecedented situation to prey on others. They may try to target those helping vulnerable people or those in self-isolation. The rise in home deliveries of online purchases is also being exploited. They may send COVID-19-themed phishing emails or postal and courier related text messages in an attempt to:
- trick you into opening malicious attachments
- get you to reveal personal and financial details
- visit your home to try and target you in person
The advice around fraud and cyber-crime has not changed because of this virus. The most important thing to remember is if you're contacted by someone you don’t know, in person or online, be cautious. If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. If you can’t be sure, check with someone you trust or the police.
Royal Mail has information on courier and postal text fraud.
Page last updated: 16 March 2022
