Martin Lewis warns of coronavirus scam targeting elderly people

martin lewis warning coronavirus scam elderly vulnerable bank accounts
(Image credit: Getty)

Martin Lewis has warned about a scam that has been targeting elderly people amid the coronavirus.

To issue the warning, the money saving expert took to his advice programme The Martin Lewis Money Show, where he offers guidance on all thing finance.

Speaking on the show last week he revealed to viewers that scammers have been trying to exploit elderly people as the coronavirus pandemic spreads throughout the country.

The con involves scammers phoning up older and vulnerable people to let them know that their banks have been hit by the coronavirus, advising them to move their money to a new account as soon as possible.

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Branding the con artists “disgusting,” Martin said that he wished he could speak about them in using the language that he really wanted to.

Advising viewers on what to do if they feel like someone is trying to run the scam on them, Martin said that people should check any finance change “at the source”.

He also advised that if you think your bank has been hit by the crisis, get in touch with them directly.

MORE: Money expert Martin Lewis has issued travel advice amid the coronavirus crisis

Martin also spoke about people trying to get refunds for lost money during this time, advising that we should all try to “be kind to each other”.

Opening up about how companies and businesses could be “struggling” during this tumultuous time, he advised that “it’s worth considering” accepting vouchers instead of asking for a full refund as it “could protect staff from losing their jobs”.

“If we all show each other forbearance right now when we can, we will all come out in the best state we can,” said the TV star.

MORE: What to do if coronavirus anxiety is affecting your mental health

“Be kind to each other,” added the finance expert, “go through all your finances, all your money”.

“We need to look after each other and most importantly, we need to look after our health”.

Aleesha Badkar
Digital Beauty Editor, woman&home

Aleesha is Digital Beauty Editor at woman&home, where she gets to share her expertise into all the best techniques, sharpest tools and newest products—with a particular savvy in skincare and fragrance.

Previously, she was Deputy Editor and Beauty & Fashion Editor for My Imperfect Life, where she headed up the beauty, fashion and eCommerce pages. In the past, she has worked as Shopping Writer at woman&home, gained an AOP awards nomination after working on their news team, contributed to Women's Health, Stylist and Goodto and earned an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London.