Gardai Investigate Covid 19 Scam In Wicklow

Gardai in Wicklow are investigating a scam, in which criminals are targeting homeowners in the county, claiming to be health care staff providing test results for Covid-19, and seeking credit card details in order to provide antibiotics and other medications.

Several people in Dunlavin in West Wicklow say they have received phone calls with results they’ve never had.

Most people are aware it’s a scam, but the concern is that older people may be confused into giving out their personal information.

Meanwhile There has been a rise in the number of rogue traders selling false products online which claim to cure or prevent people catching the coronavirus.

The European Commission has warned that these online merchants are misleading consumers and selling masks, caps, and hand sanitizers at very high prices.

The Commission and national consumer protection authorities are now working on a consistent approach to tackle such practices.

All online platforms are being asked to step up their efforts to rapidly detect and take down false claims.