There have been suggestions that scammers could use the NHS test and trace service as a method of obtaining personal or financial information from victims.
This scam is a form of number spoofing. This involves scammers making it look like that they’re calling from a different number to the one they’re actually using. In this case, the number they may try to mimic to hide their real identity is the test and trace number – 0300 0135 000. Here’s some advice on what to expect from a genuine test and trace call.
The only website the service will ask you to visit is https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk. On a genuine call, contact tracers will never:
- ask you to dial a premium rate number (for example, those starting 09 or 087);
- ask you to make any form of payment;
- ask for any details about your bank account;
- ask for your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts;
- ask you for any passwords or PINs, or ask you to set up any passwords or PINs over the phone;
- ask you to purchase a product – including a test;
- ask you to download any software to your device or ask you to hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet; or
- ask you to access any website that does not belong to the Government or NHS.
Please visit the Ofcom website for more information.
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