Halton Trading Standards wants to warn residents about flyers that have been posted through people’s doors in Widnes offering packs of face masks, surgical masks, gloves and hand sanitiser.
When contacted by Trading Standards, the trader concerned stated that he does not have any of these items in stock or available for delivery. The business has ceased promoting the products and taking any orders.
The team is concerned about anyone selling personal protective equipment (PPE) in this manner during a global pandemic. As highlighted in the press, there is a lack of PPE in the country and PPE sold door-to-door will not necessary meet the high standards required under UK law. Users of substandard PPE will be unaware that the product is not providing the expected protection, thus increasing their risk of contracting the virus.
If you receive a flyer, text, email or phone call from somebody you don’t know who is offering PPE, hand sanitiser, face masks or anything else they claim protects you from Covid-19, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 0808 223 1133.