15 common Covid-19 scams - and how to avoid becoming a victim

With this in mind the Consumer Council has compiled a list of 15 common Covid-19 scams currently in circulation, along with tips on how to avoid being taken in by them.

1 Scammers are trying to persuade people to switch their pension to a better one - be careful if someone contacts you out of the blue.

2 Consumers are receiving emails, texts and direct messages through social media about free Covid-19 testing - do not reply.

3 Scammers pretending to be from HMRC are offering tax rebates - do not reply or click any links.

4 Scammers are pretending to be from the DVLA offering a refund to those that cannot use their car - do not reply or click on any links.

5 Consumers are receiving text alerts that supermarkets are offering free vouchers for those in need - do not reply or click any links.

6 Watch out for fake contests at this time - if you haven’t bought a ticket, you can’t win it.

7 Scammers are tempting consumers to invest their money with an offer of high returns - stop and think, is it too good to be true?

8 Consumers are receiving text messages offering free school dinner vouchers -do not follow any links or enter and personal information.

9 There are scammers contacting consumers pretending to be from travel companies - if you are contacted out of the blue then call or email the company’s official contact details to double check.

10 Watch out for automated messages stating your subscription service or internet has been cancelled - contact your provider directly if you have any doubts.

11 Scammers are pretending to be from government offering free payments - ensure correspondence from a government website is real by checking it ends with ‘gov.uk’.

12 Be wary of scammers calling at your door offering you services or asking to check your property - do not feel pressurised and ask for ID if you are unsure.

13 Watch out for fake websites selling fake PPE, anti-bacterial products, cleaning products, deep-cleaning services, fake miracles cures, vaccines or Covid-19 testing kits.

14 Scammers may attempt to trick you into sending money for a fake charity, a sick loved one or someone stranded abroad - check the details of the charity before donating.

15 Consumers are now receiving fake text messages from scammers informing them that they are being issued with a fine for leaving the house during the lockdown period - ignore and delete.

Report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or to the PSNI on 101.

For more information on scams, please visit the nidirect website: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/scamwiseni.