BOSSES running a vital community service during the Covid-19 lockdown have hit out at heartless crooks attempting to use their name to con the public.

Witham Community Hub is asking residents to be vigilant after fraudsters claiming to work for the charity offered to do shopping for homeowners in Poplar Close.

The hub is providing support to hundreds of people during the coronavirus pandemic by delivering essential items to people in self-isolation.

Trustee Tina Townsend said: “It’s very disappointing to hear someone has tried to get money out of people by pretending to be from the hub.

“It makes me quite angry to think there are people out there trying to take advantage of vulnerable people.

“All of our volunteers have ID and will present it when delivering to people or knocking on doors.

“Each one has been vetted and has been DBS checked.

“Please don’t be fooled and please let friends and neighbours know this so we can stop these people trying to take advantage of our residents.”

As well as helping dozens of people in Witham, the community hub has also carried out essential deliveries to people in Maldon and Clacton.

It says it has received hundreds of requests for help since the start of the lockdown and is also working with a number of GP surgeries and chemists in Witham to deliver prescriptions to vulnerable people.

News of fraudsters using the charity’s name to con the public comes just days after Essex Police issued a warning about fraudsters using the Covid-19 pandemic to make money.

The force said it has received a handful of reports about possible scams which have included fake text messages and fraudsters knocking on front doors, claiming to be from the Government.

Det Chief Insp Stuart Truss, who leads Essex Police’s Serious Economic and Cyber Crime teams, said: “Specialist fraud officers – just like our regular officers – continue to keep people safe by raising awareness about fraud, by monitoring activity online and by providing help to our communities vulnerable and elderly.

“We know fraudsters will look to take advantage of any situation and this means tricking people into parting with their money and information.

“We continue to work closely with partner agencies such as Action Fraud and police forces nationally. There are also simple steps, you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”

Safety tips can be found on Essex Police’s website.

Anyone with information about a scam should report it to the police on 101.