Health Alert: United Kingdom, Increase in COVID-19 Online Scams

Location: United Kingdom

Event: Health Alert

U.S. Embassy London will be sending a daily update to ensure all US citizens in the United Kingdom have the latest information about COVID19 and local conditions. Updated information will be prefaced with (NEW). If different or additional information would be useful, please email us with your suggestions at SCSLondon@state.gov.

(NEW) COVID-19 Related Frauds and Scams

UK law enforcement and government agencies are advising the public to use increased caution when shopping online, making investment decisions, and while working remotely, due to an increase in COVID-19 scams.

Recent scams have targeted people seeking to buy medical and household supplies, promoted healthcare investment opportunities, and solicited donations for fake charities. In general, you should avoid:

Clicking links and attachments in suspicious or unknown emails
Providing up-front fees or payment details for unsolicited financial transactions
Making on-the-spot payments, especially during high-pressure interactions
Downloading unknown or unsolicited content, specifically via browser pop-ups

UK Finance, a banking and finance industry collective, has launched a national campaign to combat spread of fraud with specific guidance related to COVID-19. More information available at: https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

Information Regarding Hotel Availability in the United Kingdom

Most hotels in the UK have closed until further notice, per UK government guidance issued on March 23. Travelers are urged to reach out to directly by phone before travel to ensure specific hotels are still operating and accepting guests. The most up-to-date guidance can be found on the UK COVID-19 website.

Information Regarding Flights to the United States

Commercial flights are still available from multiple UK airports connecting to London Heathrow for direct flights to the United States. Trains from Scotland to London are also still available; however, this may change at any moment. Please check the airport and rail websites for the latest information:

The Department of State encourages all U.S. citizens to enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security and health updates.

On March 23, the Prime Minister advised that people should leave home only for the following reasons:

Shopping for basic necessities
One form of exercise a day
Any medical need/care for a vulnerable person
Travelling to and from work, only if absolutely necessary
Visit the UK COVID-19 website for updated information.

The U.S. Mission to the United Kingdom has suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information at https://uk.usembassy.gov/.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Global COVID-19 Pandemic Notice advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel.

Actions to Take:

Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.

(NEW) Visit our updated Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in the United Kingdom.

Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy London, United Kingdom

33 Nine Elms Lane

London, UK SW11 8DG

+44 (0) 207-499-9000

from U.S.: 011 44 (0)20 7499-9000

SCSLondon@state.gov

https://uk.usembassy.gov/

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh

+44 (0) 131 556-8315