One email informed the recipient that they have been awarded a Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant valued at £25,000.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has warned that UK internet users have started receiving fraudulent emails offering business grants.
One email informed the recipient that they have been awarded a Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant valued at £25,000.
The message asks the recipient to enter personal and payment details, which is used to deduct money from the account.
Trading Standards is concerned that businesses in the leisure and hospitality sector are more likely to fall prey to this scam, given the effects COVID-19 has had on the sector.
As part of Scams Awareness Fortnight, the Consumer Protection Partnership (CPP) is bringing together key partners in the consumer protection landscape to identify, prioritise and co-ordinate collective action against scams.
This includes collective action to inform, educate and protect consumers.
Katherine Hart, lead officer at the CTSI, said: "I have seen so many different kinds of emails, texts, and reports of doorstep and phone scams themed around COVID-19.
"I want to warn businesses that they should be eagle-eyed when receiving emails offering help, and never click the links in them.
"I understand that this seems like good news, especially for businesses deeply affected by lockdown, but always remember that if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Just don't risk it."
