Households could find themselves being pestered by more scam calls as coronavirus lockdown measures ease.
National Trading Standards says the pandemic has provided new opportunities for telephone scammer to take advantage of people- and has warned that illegitimate call centres around the world are among the workplaces returning to normal.
It said it has already taken action to stop automated calls in which people have been urged to purchase face masks and hand sanitiser, with false claims made that the personal protective equipment was a government requirement.
It is offering 700 free call blockers on a first-come-first-served basis for households looking to prevent nuisance calls.
Devices will need to be installed by those applying.
Louise Baxter, head of the National Trading Standards scams team, said: "Scam callers are relentless and often leave their intended victims feeling scared, anxious and unsafe in their own homes."
More information is available at www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/callblocker.
