The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a warning to households in Tier Three, where Lytham St. Anne’s currently sits, and residents in Tier Two areas following incidents involving fraudsters pretending to be COVID marshals attempting to get inside people’s homes.

Using the pretence of checking for breaches of the new complex and, to many, confusing raft of Tier Three and Tier Two regulations these fake marshals, often working in pairs, then take the opportunity to steal from homes once they are let inside. The homes of the elderly and vunerable have said to be been particularly targeted.

 Katherine Hart, CTSI’s lead officer for doorstep crime, warned, ‘I am particularly concerned that elderly and vulnerable individuals may be at risk to this new scam. I ask the public and public authorities to spread the correct safeguarding information so that we can stop these unscrupulous individuals from ruining the lives of those already struggling during this challenging time.’ 

Additionally legitimate marshals, called COVID-19 Secure Marshals, appointed by a local authority, do not have any powers to enter people’s homes, enforce social distancing or issue fines.