Blog Layout
Test and Trace scam alert issued by councils
Jun 25, 2020
The Local Government Association says councils have received reports of fraudsters attempting to exploit the system through bogus phone calls, emails and text messages which ask for bank card details to cover the cost of the testing kit. The genuine NHS service is free.
People are being urged to be on their guard against criminals trying to con people out of money by pretending to be from the NHS Test and Trace Service, in a new coronavirus-related scam.
The Local Government Association says councils have received reports of fraudsters attempting to exploit the system through bogus phone calls, emails and text messages which ask for bank card details to cover the cost of the testing kit. The genuine NHS service is free.
The warning comes during Scams Awareness Fortnight, and amid new research which shows that more than one in three people in the UK have been targeted in scams since lockdown began.
The Test and Trace Service aims to reduce the spread of coronavirus by quickly testing people with symptoms and either phoning, texting or emailing whoever they have had close contact with to tell them to self-isolate for 14 days.
In the scam, a message or phone call claiming to be from the NHS Test and Trace Service is sent or made to householders informing them that they have been in contact with somebody who has tested positive for coronavirus and that they need to self-isolate and take a test.
The scammers refuse to disclose who the householder has been in contact with but ask them to confirm their address so a testing kit can be sent to them. Bank card details are then requested – purportedly to cover the cost of the testing kit.
The LGA is urging people to be vigilant to protect themselves from the scam. Residents are being reminded that the genuine NHS Test and Trace Service will never:
- Ask for bank account details, passwords or PIN numbers
- Ask for a payment or to buy a product
- Ask you to download any software
- Ask you to call a premium rate number to speak to the NHS (for example, those starting 09 or 087)
- Disclose any of your personal or medical information to your contacts.
- Anyone asked these types of questions should report the incident to Action Fraud.
To read this article from The Local Government Association in full visit their website.
Share this news story...
International Fraud Awareness Week (IFAW) 2024 takes place from 17-23 November, and SAFE continues to support this global effort to minimise the impact of fraud by promoting anti-fraud awareness and education. Fraud and cybercrime account for over 40% of all crime in England and Wales, affecting more people, more often, than any other crime. The social and economic cost to individuals is estimated to be in excess of £4.7 billion a year. So don’t wait until #fraudweek to become a fraud fighter!
According to data from Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, more than 33,000 people had their social media or email accounts hacked in the 12 months to August 2024, and victims lost a total of £1.4 million. Fraud is now the most commonly experienced crime in the UK, with 1 in 17 adults falling victim to fraudsters. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau indicate that 80% of fraud is cyber-enabled. October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, an international initiative that aims to educate everyone about cyber safety. To mark the event, Action Fraud and NHS England have launched awareness campaigns to remind people that there are simple ways to protect themselves and our NHS from online threats.
Following the submission of a successful bid, SAFE are proud to be included in the YPO Internal Audit and Assurance, and Counter Fraud Investigation Services Framework. Beating stiff competition, our bid was the highest scoring in Lot 3: Counter Fraud Investigation Services. YPO is one of the largest public sector purchasing consortiums in the UK, and the inclusion of SAFE on the framework means that the following organisations can easily access our award winning, cost-effective services: • Local authority councils, • Educational establishments, • Police, fire and rescue, maritime/coastguard agency emergency services, • NHS bodies, the HSC (Northern Ireland) and ambulance services, • Central government departments and their agencies, • Registered charities, • And more, full list available here .
