NHS Test and Trace: How to tell if it’s real or a scam
June 9, 2020
NHS Test and Trace phishing emails are being sent by scammers, the fake email refers to the service as
‘track and trace’. The email advises the recipient that they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. They are instructed to click on a link in order to find out who that person is and are warned that if they fail to do so within 24 hours, legal action may be taken and their benefits suspended. The email address from which this message is being sent is ‘alert@nhstrackandtrace233-gov.com’.
Remember, contact tracers will never ask you to:
- Dial a premium rate number to speak to them (for example, those starting 09 or 087).
- Make any form of payment.
- Give any details about your bank account.
- Give your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts.
- Disclose passwords or pins.
- Create any passwords or pins.
- Purchase a product.
- Download any software to your device.
- Hand over control of your PC,, smartphone or tablet.
- Access any website that does not belong to the government or NHS.
For more information read this article from Which.co.uk
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As fraud risks continue to evolve, staying informed and vigilant is more important than ever. This summer, SAFE is proud to launch a comprehensive Fraud Awareness Webinar Series designed to equip our clients and the wider healthcare community with the knowledge and tools to detect, prevent, and respond to fraud effectively. Why Attend? Fraud is a growing threat that impacts organisations across all industries. Our expert-led webinars will cover a range of timely topics, including mandate fraud, imposter fraud, the fraud triangle and the benefits of early intervention.

When Sarah Whitaker approached an introductory care agency to find a carer for her 89 year old father she expected they would refer a suitably qualified and professional carer. Instead, Sarah was 'horrified' to discover that an unqualified imposter had been in her fathers home for almost three weeks! Unfortunately Sarah's story, reported by Sky News , is not as uncommon as one might expect. In January 2024, a man admitted impersonating a nurse and accessing resuscitation and children's areas at a hospital in Glasgow (BBC News) . SAFE has experience of dealing with a number of similar cases where an unqualified imposter had been found to be working in place of the qualified professional that was expected.