COVID SCAMS CONTINUE – BEWARE!

As we see a spike in the Omicron variant of Covid19, scammers are sending out text messages telling people to order a test from a fake “Health Department UK” website.

Ordering a test after receiving a text such as that pictured above allows fraudsters to steal your details.

The text message claims to be a tracing notification and tells you that you’ve been exposed to the Omicron Covid-19 variant and need to take a test. Reports of this scam show the message is coming from 07874269207, 07874285262 and 07874284325, however other numbers may be in use for this scam. The message says: ‘We’ve been notified you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 (Omicron). Please order a mandatory test via: [health-department-uk.com].'

Don't click on this link, as it contains adware or spyware which will most likely download to your device.

The NHS has warned that scam text messages regarding test kits had been reported and it confirmed that it never asks for bank details.

Although Covid test kits are no longer free for most, they can be ordered from genuine retailers online or picked up in-store.

Dodgy text messages can be reported by forwarding them to 7726 - a free reporting service provided by telecoms companies. Then you can block and delete the message. If you've already clicked on a link and you're worried your personal or financial details may be compromised, contact your bank immediately and report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.