WHILE a national crisis will often bring out the best in people, sadly there are some who will use it as an opportunity to take advantage of peoples’ vulnerabilities.

"We are hearing reports nationally and locally of Covid-19 related frauds, including offers of Covid tests, coronavirus-themed ‘phishing’ emails, and shopping scams that relate to personal protective items and items that are in short supply across the country," writes Bernadette Lawrie BEM, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer for Surrey Police.

"If somebody phones or knocks on your door offering to test you for Covid-19, hang up or close the door immediately.

"If you are contacted and told that face masks are mandatory when leaving home so you must purchase one, hang up.

"If you receive an email that seems suspicious, do not click on any links or attachments.

"Check on a company’s trusted website, get advice from a friend or family member, or forward it to [email protected] where an automated scanning system will check and immediately remove criminal sites."

Now, more than ever, Bernadette said police wants to remind people to:

* Check people are who they say they are when they phone you;

* Never send money or financial details to anyone you don’t know or trust;

* Research a website or company you don’t know before purchasing from them;

* Make decisions in your own time;

* Keep your personal information to yourself;

* Phone a relative or friend for help or advice.

She continued: "We urge residents to be extra vigilant at this time, not only for yourself but for vulnerable friends and family members too, and to think carefully before handing over your money or bank card.

"We are working together across law enforcement, government and the private sector to combat this criminal activity and protect the public.

"We want perpetrators of this crime to know we will deal robustly with anyone guilty of fraudulent activity."

If you think you may have been a victim of a scam or fraud, report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or directly to Surrey Police by calling 101 or using the online report tool at www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/fo/fraud