Bosworth MP issues quarantine scam warning after local nearly losses £2,000

The constituent's so-called partner wanted £2,000 to get out of hotel quarantine.

They contacted Dr Luke Evans MP for help after his partner, who he had met online, was allegedly stuck in hotel quarantine in London after leaving the United States to start a new life in the UK.

Unable to pay the bill, the constituent believed their partner was being kept against their will in the hotel, and the constituent asked if Dr Luke could help. The constituent’s partner wanted the constituent to send £2000 so they could leave the hotel.  

Upon further investigation, however, those working on the case began to suspect that the story was suspicious. The United States is currently on the amber list (as opposed to the red list), which means that the constituent’s partner could quarantine at home for 10 days, rather than in a hotel.

The constituent was only communicating with his partner via an online chat service, and it was established that the constituent had sadly fallen victim to a new scam, and the partner was not who they said they were. 

The case has been reported to the police. 

Dr Evans said: “Unfortunately during the pandemic fraudulent online activity has risen, with UK police forces reporting that £34.5 million has been stolen in over 6000 Covid-19 specific scams since March 2020.

"We should all be mindful that those online are not necessarily who they say they are, and everyone is at risk from being a victim of fraud, whether they are shopping, banking or dating online.

"Fraudulent activity is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and it is important that we all remain vigilant. The constituent in this case came close to losing a sizeable amount of money, and I am glad we were able to prevent that from happening.”