Trading Standards and COVID-19

Restrictions relating to business closures are no longer in place, but there are other Covid related issues that you may need to report to us.

Scams

We are aware that scams are still operating using Covid as a hook, so we would like to hear about any scam business that

• appears to be making misleading claims in relation to Coronavirus, such as products or services which can cure COVID-19 (e.g. fake offers of a COVID-19 vaccine); or
• falsely describes goods or services in relation to COVID-19. This could include selling goods that are not what they say they are, for example, hand sanitiser that appears to be counterfeit or traders selling protective face masks without a CE Mark on them (decorative face coverings do not need to have the CE mark unless the seller claims that they will protect you from viral or bacterial infection).
• any caller falsely claiming to be associated with the NHS Test and Trace scheme, especially if they ask you for a payment or credit card details etc.
• business scams where the fraudster offers to help you to claim grants or funding.

Report an incident

If you feel that you have been the victim of a scam related to COVID-19 and you need some assistance from a consumer advisor, you should instead contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service online or call Freephone 0808 223 1133. They will give advice and also pass the details you provide to Trading Standards.

If you have concerns about any other COVID-19 related issue, you should send the details by email to covidconcern@milton-keynes.gov.uk. Thank you.