Consumers who are being isolated to their homes due to the Coronavirus outbreak are at risk from the escalated epidemic of scam phone calls that are specifically targeting the vulnerable.

CPR Call Blocker, makers of the UK’s best-selling call blocking device, is predicting that scammers and fraudsters will be ready to strike and take advantage of the situation if the UK goes into lockdown, as has happened in Italy, forcing people to stay at home and is warning people to be on their guard for a rise in bogus calls. 

In a bid to beat the scammers who are likely to take advantage of this extraordinary situation, CPR Call Blocker has compiled the top five active scams that people should watch out for over the next few weeks as the Coronavirus situation unfolds:

1. Fake Bank Calls

Pretending to be from your bank informing that you are eligible for coronavirus emergency relief funding. They ask to confirm your bank details so they can send you this money. They may ask for your account, card and PIN details. They may also advise transferring your money to a ‘safe’ account to protect it. A bank would never ask you to do this.

2.  Fake HMRC Calls

Calls from people claiming to be from the HM Revenue & Customs and that you are owed a tax refund due to Coronavirus. They leave a message asking you to call back. HMRC would never contact you in this way and ask for personal information and bank details.

3. Fake Coronavirus Cures

Shameless scammers may call, attempting to sell you a 'Coronavirus cure'. The fake cures include multi-vitamins, 'health drinks' and herbs. These claims are bogus and hold no scientific evidence. 

4. Fake Health Care Calls

Phishing phone calls impersonating entities such as the World Health Organisation. They will never contact you directly.