5 ways to spot coronavirus scams

While the rest of the country has banded together in an excellent display of Dunkirk spirit in the face of COVID-19, scam artists have been trying to make a profit out of the pandemic by playing on people's fears.

We've put together some helpful top tips to help you stay safe and guard your money better than if it were in Fort Knox.

1. Fake Test and Trace scams

Check to see if the phone number you've been contacted on is genuine.

The NHS have said they will contact you on 0300 0135000 and ask you to sign up to the Test and Trace website.

They will never ask for your passwords, bank account details or pin numbers.

2. Fake Government or HMRC tax refund texts

These will usually offer money, or demand a 'fine' be paid. Do not click on the link within the text.

3. Being asked to pay for the COVID jab

A scam in which payments are requested for vaccinations by someone claiming to be from the NHS has become very prevalent recently.

Remember - the vaccination is free.

4. Online shopping scams

Some products such as face masks and hand sanitiser allow an order to be placed, but nothing is ever delivered.

Make sure to only purchase products from credible UK shops.

5. Holiday cancellation 'refunds'

Fake emails, calls and social media accounts may contact you claiming to be able to give you a refund.

Make sure to get in touch with the holiday company you booked with independently and find their contact details online.

If in doubt, apply the 'scam' test

The scam (s.c.a.m.) test works as follows:

s - seems too good to be true

c - contacted out of the blue

a - asked for personal details

m - money is requested

If you have been a victim of a scam, you can contact Devon and Cornwall Police via the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can report online via email [email protected].