Crimestoppers
Fearless - Our Youth Service
Our campaign against door-to-door scammers
We're appealing for anonymous information as door-to-door scammers take advantage of the lockdown by preying on the vulnerable
As the lockdown intensifies with people forced to stay at home to help stop Coronavirus spreading, we're warning that fraudsters are taking advantage by going door-to-door of the homes of those who are isolated and living alone, to con them out of money.
Click or tap here for more information about doorstep scams and how to keep your street safe
Crimestoppers, the police and trading standards have all seen an increase in reports from the public about doorstep scammers who are offering everything from fake Coronavirus testing kits to selling hand sanitisers and face masks. Whilst the sanitisers and face masks may not be dodgy, they should only be purchased from a reputable trader or store.
There have also been reports of vulnerable people being charged over-inflated prices by people purporting to be available to clean and disinfect driveways and cars with spray to kill the virus. These can turn into distraction burglaries, where the victim has cash stolen from their home.
Scammers show no mercy, often sounding very plausible. They act either solo or in gangs, and target the socially isolated, those who are older, sick or simply unaware. According to National Trading Standards, a shocking 85% of victims of doorstep scams are aged over 65.
These are the types of doorstep scams to look out for:
If you know someone involved in doorstep scams - ideally you have a name and a good description of someone you suspect of being involved (such as age, build, ethnicity, clothing, car registration) - please help us by passing on what you know 100% anonymously
Our UK Contact Centre is open 24/7. Call Freephone 0800 555 111 or fill in our simple and secure anonymous online form right here on our website.
As the lockdown intensifies with people forced to stay at home to help stop Coronavirus spreading, we're warning that fraudsters are taking advantage by going door-to-door of the homes of those who are isolated and living alone, to con them out of money.
Click or tap here for more information about doorstep scams and how to keep your street safe
Crimestoppers, the police and trading standards have all seen an increase in reports from the public about doorstep scammers who are offering everything from fake Coronavirus testing kits to selling hand sanitisers and face masks. Whilst the sanitisers and face masks may not be dodgy, they should only be purchased from a reputable trader or store.
There have also been reports of vulnerable people being charged over-inflated prices by people purporting to be available to clean and disinfect driveways and cars with spray to kill the virus. These can turn into distraction burglaries, where the victim has cash stolen from their home.
Scammers show no mercy, often sounding very plausible. They act either solo or in gangs, and target the socially isolated, those who are older, sick or simply unaware. According to National Trading Standards, a shocking 85% of victims of doorstep scams are aged over 65.
“As most of us play our part by following the rules and helping others, rogue traders, bogus officials and fake charity collectors are preying on the vulnerable and cynically exploiting people’s fears.
"During the pandemic lockdown, doorstep scammers are taking advantage – offering to buy shopping or collect medicine and then pocketing the cash, or selling fake Coronavirus testing kits, masks or sanitizers. Some are even charging extortionate rates to `kill’ the virus by spraying driveways and cars.
“We all need to look out for each other, especially vulnerable neighbours, friends and family. And if you have the name of someone involved in doorstep scams or a description of their appearance but don’t want to give your details, you can help protect others from harm by telling our charity what you know.
“Like millions of others who have trusted us before, you will also stay completely anonymous. We, like you, believe in safe communities. Your information can make all the difference.”
These are the types of doorstep scams to look out for:
- A stranger offering help with shopping or collecting medication: Fraudsters often claim to help shop for those who are housebound, but then pocket the money.
- Coronavirus testing kit: people claiming to be from the NHS promoting a door-to-door initiative to test individuals for Coronavirus. The NHS is not conducting random door-to-door testing for the virus.
- Gangs offering to `disinfect’ driveways, garages or cars – then charging massively over the odds.
- Selling fake or overpriced items to protect yourself, such as fake sanitizers or face masks.
- Fake charity collectors who take a donation and then pocket the cash.
- Intimidation used: banging on a door repeatedly, claiming to be Trading Standards, threatening arrest.
If you know someone involved in doorstep scams - ideally you have a name and a good description of someone you suspect of being involved (such as age, build, ethnicity, clothing, car registration) - please help us by passing on what you know 100% anonymously
Our UK Contact Centre is open 24/7. Call Freephone 0800 555 111 or fill in our simple and secure anonymous online form right here on our website.
