AVOID TRACK AND TRACE SCAMS

Be careful, as fraudsters are taking advantage of the Track and Trace system to try to trick people out of their money. Scammers are allegedly calling people and getting them to reveal their bank details to pay for fake test kits for COVID-19. Here’s what you need to know and share with family members who may be susceptible…

The government’s contacttracing scheme tells anyone who has been in contact with a COVID-19 patient to self-isolate for 14 days. Contact tracers call anyone who tests positive and asks them lots of questions. These interviews are lengthy as they want to get a detailed timescale of what you’ve done every day – including who you’ve worked with, who you live with, who’s visited you, where you’ve been, as well as describing your symptoms and when you first became unwell, so they can try to pinpoint the moment you may have become infectious. They will never ask for bank details, to provide social media details, or to download anything. If someone calls and asks you to hand over bank details for a test to be delivered, it’s a scam. Action Fraud estimates that 2,378 victims have lost £7m from COVID-related scams so far. Scammers often refuse to identify who you supposedly caught the virus from, claiming it’s “confidential information”. It’s actually because they have no idea who you know, whereas contract tracers would be able to reveal details into how you came into contact with the virus. Plus they will always call from this number: 0300 013 5000. Never give out your bank details to order a test, as the NHS provides testing for free. If you get a dodgy call, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.