Wrexham Trading Standards has been made aware of a scam where businesses are being sent letters advising them that ‘Covid Safe air purifiers’ must be purchased as a legal requirement.
This is a scam!
This is a scam, and there is no legal requirement for businesses to install such purifiers.
The letters, which claim to come from the ‘Covid Safe Taskforce’ as part of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, falsely state that all businesses have a legal requirement to buy the air purifiers by May 3, 2021.
The purifiers are said to cost £123.80 each and businesses are being advised they must have a minimum of two devices, up to a maximum of 10, depending on the business type and size of premises.
Businesses are asked to complete the application form to order the purifiers, and told someone from the ‘Covid Safe Taskforce’ will then contact them by phone to complete the payment.
Make sure you know about changes to Covid-19 restrictions in Wales
“This is not true”
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial strategy (BEIS) has issued a statement on Twitter, saying: “We are aware of scammers sending BEIS headed letters to businesses telling them that, by law, they need to purchase air purifiers to comply with #Covid19 rules.
“This is not true. If you receive a letter, please report it to Action Fraud UK.”
SCAM ALERT: We are aware of scammers sending BEIS headed letters to businesses telling them that, by law, they need to purchase air purifiers to comply with #COVID19 rules.
This is not true.
If you receive a letter, please report it to @actionfrauduk https://t.co/jNZ8PBdjq9
— Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (@SciTechgovuk) April 20, 2021
Report a cyber crime
If you think you may have been the victim of fraud or cyber-crime, you should report this to Action Fraud via their website or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Action Fraud is the UK’s National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre.
Some advice
It’s really important to follow these three steps when deciding whether it’s safe to part with your money or personal information:
STOP – Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE – Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT – Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
General scam advice
Consumer advice can be obtained from the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. They can be contacted on 0808 223 1144 (Welsh) or 0808 223 1133 (English).
Stay safe and please stay scam aware.
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