‘Be alert’ warning over scam coronavirus letters

Businesses in Bridgend County Borough have been reminded to watch out for a new scam which is attempting to take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to convince firms to buy expensive air purifying devices.

The scam involves a letter falsely claiming to be from UK Government which tells businesses that they must install devices capable of ‘purifying’ Covid-19 from indoor air. It goes on to threaten firms that they could be fined up to £5,000 if they do not comply.

However, no such purifying device exists, and the letter is an elaborate hoax designed to frighten businesses into giving the scammers their cash.

This latest scam takes full advantage of the global pandemic and reveals the depths to which criminals will sink in their efforts to trick people and organisations into parting with their money.

While the correspondence claims to be from the Covid Task Force and carries the logo of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the National Anti-Fraud Network has confirmed that the address featured on the letter is false.

Businesses should only access advice from trusted sources, such as the Welsh or UK governments, and can report receiving such a letter by emailing intel@nafn.gov.uk.

Councillor Dhanisha Patel, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Future Generations

For more information about genuine support that has been made available for businesses in Bridgend County Borough, visit the council’s website.