Public warned against scammers pretending to be Red Cross volunteers

Although Neighbourhood Network haven’t heard of this scam in our local area, it is worth noting and being aware that scammers are pretending to be Red Cross volunteers and targeting vulnerable individuals.

Essex Trading Standards has warned vulnerable people are being offered help with their grocery shopping by people who take their money and do not came back.

Following reports on social media, last week the Red Cross also had to clarify that there are no real Red Cross volunteers offering coronavirus tests to the public.

Members of the public who come across this kind of scam have been told to call the police.

Similarly, last week there were reports on social media of people pretending to be Red Cross volunteers and offering coronavirus tests.

The organisation published a statement on its website, saying: “We’re focusing all our efforts to protect the most vulnerable people in the UK right now, so we’re upset to have to write this. 

“We’re really troubled to hear through social media that people are claiming to be Red Cross volunteers, and falsely offering coronavirus tests. To be clear: the Red Cross is NOT conducting coronavirus tests anywhere in the UK. 

“If you’re contacted by someone claiming to be from the Red Cross, please ask to see their identification. We’ve reported the matter to the police. If you have any concerns, please contact the police too.” – See more at: https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/essex-public-warned-against-scammers-pretending-to-be-red-cross-volunteers.html#sthash.iHylTIrq.dpuf