Covid scammers target Guernsey

Wednesday 03 March 2021

Concerns have been raised about scammers preying on people during the pandemic, after a Guernsey resident received an email claiming to be from the World Health Organisation.

The warning from Bailiwick Law Enforcement comes following reports that the person received an email from someone pretending to represent the WHO, indicating that the victim had been in contact with a positive Covid case.

They were then asked to click on a link for a list of people they should avoid. The scam email was then brought to the attention of BLE. 

“If it [Public Health] suspected that you have been in contact with a positive Covid case a member of the States of Guernsey ‘Track and Trace’ team would contact you initially – from a local telephone number, this would then be followed up by a letter.”

Pictured: We’re being reminded to never click on a link in an unsolicited or unfamiliar email.

BLE has partnered with Trading Standards to remind people that “criminals will use every opportunity they can to defraud innocent people.”

BLE wants to make people aware that scammers are still active and that there are steps that can be taken to protect yourself. There are a number of organisations you can contact if you think you have fallen for a scam.

The first thing to do is contact your bank and make them aware, then report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Additionally, you can call the Guernsey Police on 725111 or by emailing fraud@guernsey.pnn.police.uk. You can also contact Trading Standards by emailing scams@gov.gg or tradingstandards@gov.gg.