Sick scammers cash in on NHS Test and Trace system for Milton Keynes people

And they are urging everybody to 'think before you click' on a link in a text or email suggesting that someone testing positive to Covid-19 had come into contact with them and recommending a click-link for more help.

These fake links could lead to scammers gaining personal information that would allow them to commit a fraud.

Fred Wilson, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:"The important thing to remember is to always be alert. If in doubt, do NOT click on any links that could send your details straight to the scammers."

He said although alerts from the NHS Test & Trace service could come by text, email or phone call, there was clear Government guidance as to how it works, and there was no need to give financial information as it is a free service.

Virus lockdown has seen an estimated 40 per cent increase in reported doorstep, phone and email scams locally, and Trading Standards say their priority is to protect residents from potential text, email and phone frauds based on the new NHS Test & Trace system.

Classic examples so far have ranged from emails and texts claiming you are due a refund from your TV licence, council tax or income tax, using Covid-19 as bait and providing a dodgy link, to fake texts purporting to be from the government promising a ‘relief’ payout and providing a fake link.

Other scams have involved shopping orders for facemasks that never arrive, hand sanitiser that isn't genuine and even fake NHS lanyards for sale.

"Criminals can spoof texts, making messages appear in a chain of texts alongside previous genuine messages making them look so plausible," said Fred. "So as the Test & Trace scheme rolls out, the warning is to be very alert. Don't give them a foothold."

Fred said residents should forward dodgy-looking emails to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk

Details of the NHS Test and Trace system, including what to do if you receive an alert, are published here