Southwark police say they have received reports of people pretending to be coronavirus testers to take advantage of the vulnerable.
Reports of people pretending to be police during the coronavirus crisis in a bid to gain access to homes have also been received.
Officers at Southwark Met urged those who are targeted to call 999 if anyone appears on their doorstep claiming to be conducting coronavirus tests.
“We have heard reports that people may be taking advantage of vulnerable by posing as door-to-door coronavirus testers or Police to gain access to people’s properties,” said Southwark officers this morning. “Nobody is conducting such tests.”
While thousands of Southwark residents have used this crisis to display only generosity to their neighbours, officials warn: “Fraudsters may well use this unprecedented situation to prey on others.
“They may try to target those assisting vulnerable people or those in self isolation, sending coronavirus-themed phishing emails in an attempt to get them to open malicious attachments or revealing person and financial details.”
Cops have urged those at risk to always check with someone they trust if they are unsure about a person’s credentials, or check with police.
Met advice on fraud can be found online here.
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