Scammers are going door-to-door posing as coronavirus testers, according to Lewisham Council.  

It is warning people to call 999 if anyone comes to the door and claims to be conducting such tests.  

The Met Police issued a similar warning for a variety of Covid-19 related scams, including online shopping scams where people pay for personal protective equipment but it never arrives.  

 “Since the Government has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay at home where possible, we have received a small number of reports where people are using coronavirus as a guise to gain entry to homes and steal.

“If you get an unsolicited home visit from anyone offering a service and asking for payment or to be let into your home, our advice is to immediately request and check their ID and credentials carefully,” according to the force. 

There have also been reports of coronavirus-themed phishing emails, which attempt to trick people into opening attachments that allow fraudsters to steal personal information, passwords and banking details.

Superintendent Lis Chapple, the Met’s lead for crime prevention, inclusion and engagement, said: “We are seeing communities across London rallying together to help each other through this unprecedented public health crisis, and what is a difficult time for many.

“However, there are a small number of unscrupulous people out there who see it as an opportunity to con others for personal gain.

“The most vulnerable in society are often targeted which makes the offending all the more despicable, and the Met is committed to identifying these people and ensuring they are held to account for their actions.

“Please take a moment to think about who you are speaking to, what you are agreeing to and what you may be clicking on online. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”