Warning after elderly Kettering couple offered coronavirus test kit for bank details

A cold caller in Kettering offered an elderly couple a coronavirus home-testing kit in exchange for their debit card details.

Police are warning members of the public to be on their guard after the incident last week as the UK's fight against the virus intensifies.

Fortunately the couple did not provide any personal details but Northamptonshire Police's Chief Inspector Peter Basham, who is leading their community response to the COVID-19 crisis, is asking people to look out for each other at this difficult time.

He said: “It is very sad that at a time when we should all be pulling together as a community, there are still those who are seeking to exploit the situation and attempt to scam the most vulnerable members of our society.

“I would like to stress that [neither] the force, nor any other agency, is offering coronavirus home-testing. If these were available, legitimate businesses would not be selling them door-to-door.

“Under no circumstances should you ever give out your personal or bank details to anyone, and if you’re approached by someone offering services or selling goods on your doorstep, please report it to the police.

“We are also asking anyone who has contact with either an elderly or vulnerable person to please pass on this gentle crime prevention reminder to help prevent them from becoming a victim of doorstep crime."

Latest figures show there are 21 confirmed cases of the virus in Northamptonshire, but the actual figure is expected to be much higher.

Two county patients who had tested positive have died, including 'amazing' father-of-two Craig Ruston who died at Kettering General Hospital. At the time he was the UK's youngest coronavirus victim.

Ch Insp Basham urged anyone who isn't sure if a cold caller is seeking to exploit the crisis to simply not open the door.

He said: “Such crimes can often have a much more devastating effect on their victims than just the loss of money, making a person, especially the elderly, feel exceptionally vulnerable and unsafe in their own homes.

“Being a good neighbour is still important, and communities are rallying around to support each other. However, there may be those who seek to exploit the situation also.

“So the message we want people to make their elderly relatives aware of is simple – if you’re not sure, don’t open the door.”