Scams in Milton Keynes have tripled during coronavirus crisis

The council is cracking down on scammers exploiting the situation to take advantage of vulnerable people.

They are asking people to report any suspicious or scam phone calls as well as websites offering fake Covid-19 cures or prevention measures.

"We would like to hear about any business that appears to be making misleading claims in relation to Coronavirus, such as products or services which can cure Covid-19 or falsely describing goods or services in relation to coronavirus," said a Trading Standards spokesman.

This could involve selling goods that are not what they say - for example, a hand sanitiser that appears to be counterfeit or traders selling online Covid-19 testing kits that are not genuine.

Trading Standards also wants to hear about any local businesses that are operating during lockdown when they should be closed.

These include any outlet selling food or drink to be consumed on the premises, either inside or outside, as well as betting shops, spas, massage parlours and indoor fitness studios or gyms.

"Are you aware of a business that is operating and should not be? Please tell us about it," said the spokesman.

Milton Keynes Trading Standards relies on information received from Milton Keynes residents, businesses and partner agencies to identify any rogue trading activity.

Their officers also want to clamp down on traders guilty of "price gouging" or charging excessive amounts.

Earlier this month MK Council's Trading Standards officers jumped in to help a resident who had been scammed by a rogue roofer.

The roofer cold-called at the person's home and offered to fix missing roof tiles for £50. But once the resident agreed to pay, the roofer inflated the price more than 100 time to £6,000.

Sue Crawley, Trading Standards Manager at MK Council said: “We’re pleased to have successfully put a stop to this rogue trader’s activity, and helped save a resident a vastly inflated fee for what was a very simple piece of repair work.

“We’re cracking down on rogue traders in Milton Keynes. We’ve seen an increased number of cold callers knocking on people’s doors as more people are at home, so we’re encouraging residents to be extra vigilant during the pandemic.”

Details of how to report a scam are here.