Warning to Eastbourne businesses around scam letters

Eastbourne Business Improvement District has told business owners to be aware of a letter they may receive which appears to be from the government.

The letter tells businesses they have until May 3 to buy covid-safe air purifiers in order to stay open and comply with new covid regulations.

Eastbourne BID said, “It is a scam. Please report it to Action fraud UK.”

Letter recipients are told the purifiers will allow them to stay open ‘even if there is any requirement for both local or national restrictions or future lockdowns.”

According to the letter, the government has subsidised the cost to £123.80 per device, and depending on business type and size, two and eight purifiers are needed per business.

The letter finishes with an application form and tells owners they could be fined up to £5,000 if they fail to complete the form.

It comes in a brown envelope with the HM government crest and message – “This is a vital update from the government about coronavirus.”

Eastbourne BID has alerted trading standards and police.