Watch out for coronavirus ‘test and trace’ scam

We're warning residents to be aware of scammers looking to exploit the NHS Test and Trace service. 

NHS Test and Trace is a Government system to reduce the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). It works through quickly testing people with symptoms and phoning, texting or emailing whoever they have had close contact with to tell them to isolate for 14 days. It is a free service.

There are concerns that some people, particularly the vulnerable or elderly, could be susceptible to fake calls or messages from criminals looking to get access to personal information or trick them into handing over money.

Beware of rogue traders

Are you looking to get your garden tidied or your property spruced up?

We are aware of flyers being posted through letterboxes offering gardening and home maintenance services, however we recommend you follow this advice:

• Do not agree to work offered by unsolicited doorstep callers.
• If you want work doing in your home or garden, take time to get three quotes from reputable businesses you trust and make your decision on who to use in your own time.
• Get business recommendations from friends or via Buy With Confidence.
• If you are concerned someone is at risk, always call the police.
• If you are concerned rogue traders are operating in your area, always report it.
• If someone knocks on your door and you are not sure, don’t open the door.

If you need a garden or rubbish clearance service:

• Check the service you use has a Waste Carriers Licence using the Environment Agency register.
• Unlicensed carriers will often fly-tip your waste at roadsides and beauty spots.
• You could face an unlimited fine if your waste ends up fly-tipped and you cannot show that you took reasonable steps to prevent it.
• Always ask exactly what is going to happen to your waste and seek evidence that it is going to be disposed of appropriately. A legitimate, professional waste carrier should not object to being asked reasonable questions.
• Make sure you get a proper invoice and receipt for your waste and retain this as proof.

For more information see our guide Scams, rogue traders and doorstep crime.

Bouncy castle safety

Thinking about getting a bouncy castle or other hired equipment for your garden? Always ask for a copy of the most recent safety assessment, risk assessment and portable appliance testing (PAT) documents before you agree to the contract. 

Read more advice in the HSE safety advice guide for bouncy castles and other play inflatables.

Traders who hire out equipment such as bouncy castles must:

• Ensure they have their equipment tested by authorised inspectors and include PATs to ensure that products are safe.
• Provide clear instructions and information on safe use to customers. See HSE guide - Fairgrounds and amusement parks: Guidance on safe practice.

PIPA, designated by a UK competent authority (HSE) as an inspection body for inflatables, has a list of authorised inspectors. 

When hiring this type of equipment, check it has documentation to confirm it has been fully inspected.

Get more information from the British Inflatable Hirers Alliance.

Tips for internet shopping

Buying things online? Check out these tips to help you avoid scammers who may be offering items for sale with no intention of delivering them:

Do not be fooled by glossy websites and heavy social media advertising. Scam companies set up professional-looking websites using photos stolen from other traders' sites. They then block-purchase adverts all over social media and on websites. People are lured to the sites to make purchases thinking they are dealing with a legitimate company. Either no goods are delivered, the goods that arrive are low quality bearing no resemblance to the product in the pictures, or the trader delivers random items or counterfeits.

Before purchasing any goods make sure the trader publishes an address in the real world on their website. Although a trader could publish a fake address, if there is no address published at all, you will find it hard to be able to claim if the trader does not deliver.

Make any purchase over £100 by credit card so you have the protection of Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

Check out the reviews before you buy. Most of our complainants check out the reviews after the goods fail to arrive to find that the other customers are saying the same thing. Some rogue traders will post false good reviews about themselves so concentrate on what the bad ones say.

Be wary of any website that claims to be endorsed by a celebrity. Scammers may put up fake celebrity endorsements.

Green Homes Grant scams

Some trading standards services report that residents have had scam phone calls claiming to be about the government's Green Homes Grant. If you receive a call like this, hang up. Do not give the caller any personal details.

Find out more about the genuine Green Homes Grant scheme.