You know we’re in dark times when criminals start capitalising on the fear of a global pandemic.

Of all the scams that we’ve written about in the past, this one is up there with the most disturbing.

MyBroadband spoke to Fidelity Services Group CEO Wahl Bartmann, who warned that criminals are posing as health official, claiming to do in-house testing fr COVID-19, and using this scam to gain access to and rob people’s homes.

These criminals, who are dressed in uniforms and carry official-looking documentation, are capitalising on concerns about the coronavirus outbreak to target people.

“They are very well prepared. The documentation looks original and they have official-looking vehicles,” he said.

Bartmann said the criminals inform people that COVID-19 cases have been reported in their area and that they need to perform random checks.

Once they have gained access to the house, they use firearms or other weapons to control their victims.

Bartmann said the Department of Health or other medical services will always inform households and businesses before they arrive.

“You will be informed that they are coming. They are not just going to rock up at your property to say they are doing an inspection,” he said.

Bartmann advised people to immediately contact the police or their security company when they see this suspicious activity.

In other words, if someone comes knocking, claiming to work for the Department of Health, call the police and keep the door locked.

Read more from Bartmann, here.

[source:mybroadband]