ISLANDERS are being warned to watch out for scammers who have been targeting people with made up government coronavirus relief funds.

The Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership has warned that scammers have been texting unwitting victims a seemingly authentic messages claiming to be from the UK government.

The texts promise a relief sum of £258 and provides a link to a phishing site that prompts you to enter your bank details.

Sally Ash, fair trading officer for the Isle of Wight Council, said: "Some of you may have had a genuine text from government warning you to stay at home and stay safe. Do not confuse that with the messages offering you money.

"This is a scam and shows how sophisticated the scammers are.

"There is no coronavirus payment from the government. If you click on the link and put in your bank details you will most definitely have money taken from your account or worse."