Richmond Council have warned residents in the borough about a scam targeting them with false information about the coronavirus lockdown.

On Monday (March 30), Richmond Council published a statement detailing how scammers were specifically targeting people living in Richmond via text message.

The scam involves suggesting the target has been caught in breach of the government's imposed 'lockdown' measures that were introduced to curb the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus.

"A fake text message is being sent to Richmond residents telling them they have been ‘caught’ flouting the Government’s ‘lock down’ rules," a council spokesperson announced.

"Following the Government announcement informing people to stay at home, one text message was sent across all mobile phone networks, informing people that the new rules were in force.

"Following this official message, people have been receiving fake text messages that give the impression the Government is tracking people's movements.

"They contain messages claiming to know that people have left their homes too many times and will be subject to punishment as a result," they continued.

Central government has since confirmed that it only sent one text message to UK residents about the official rules and advice designed to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Richmond Council reproduced the fake message used by the fraudsters to scam residents out of money:

"Fake messages include one that a title GOV.UK CORONAVIRUS ALERT.

"It then says: 'We would like to inform you that you have been recorded as leaving your home on 3 occasions yesterday. A fine of £35 has been added to your gov.uk account. For further information please visit gov.uk/coronavirus-penalty-payment-tracking. Protect the NHS. Save Lives.

'We would like to inform you that you have been recorded as leaving your home on 3 occasions yesterday. A fine of £35 has been added to your gov.uk account. For further information please visit gov.uk/coronavirus-penalty-payment-tracking. Protect the NHS. Save Lives.'"

Richmond Council warned that if residents followed the link they risked exposing their bank details and losing even more money.

They instructed anyone who had been targeted to visit the Action Fraud website and report it.

Council Leader Councillor Gareth Roberts added a statement to the warning:

“Unfortunately any crisis, whether global, national or local acts as a beacon for the sort of scum who want to exploit the vulnerable and the frightened. The Covid-19 pandemic is, I’m afraid, no exception.

"My message is simple – if you are sent a message from any official organisation asking for money or any personal information – it is almost certain to be a fake. Do not click on any links.

"Anyone who receives this text should ignore it. It is simply another ruse to steal the payment details of users."