People in Gedling borough are being warned not to fall for a new scam text message doing the rounds which claims they have been fined for stepping outside during the UK coronavirus lockdown.
This is the latest in a series of fake texts doing the rounds that are related to the virus and claims to be from the Government.
It tells the recipient their movements have been monitored using their phone and they must now pay a fine or face a more severe penalty, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) warned.
The scam appeared after Police were given powers to issue on-the-spot fines to those flouting the new measures put in place during the lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus.
CTSI lead officer Katherine Hart said the texts should be ignored.
“I am appalled and infuriated at the ways unscrupulous individuals exploit this situation,” she said.
“Anyone who receives this text should ignore it. It is simply another ruse to steal the payment details of users. Do not “click or tap on any links” in potential scam messages.”
Those who ignore the new tougher restrictions could be hit with a £60 fine initially and another for £120 for a second offence.
