ASK AN EXPERT

I RECENTLY received two calls claiming to be from the Test and Protect Service.

They advised me I have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.

They informed me that I need to pay them to have a test sent out to me. I think that this is a scam. What should I do?

YOU did the right thing by getting in contact with us.

Scammers are contacting members of the public, falsely claiming to be from the Test and Protect Service, in some cases requesting payment for testing.

Calls can even look like they are coming from the official Test and Protect Service number, with scammers using a process known as “spoofing” to mimic the telephone number in efforts to make their attempts seem more credible.

The Test and Protect Service will never ask for payment for coronavirus testing when they reach out to advise that you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

These scammers may also make other requests, such as access to your computing devices remotely, or access to your social media accounts and contacts.

They may also request you to visit unofficial websites and may offer the names of the people they are claiming tested positive for Covid-19.

The real Test and Protect Service will never request that you do this or supply any information for those who have tested positive.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the Test and Protect Service, and you believe this to be a scam, you should contact consumeradvice. scot on 0808 164 6000 to report this.

You should gather as much information as possible, such as the time of the call, the number that you are being called from, and any other information that you believe may be relevant.

The information that you provide will be shared with the relevant parties and investigated further.

By gathering this intelligence, and acting upon it, we will be able to stop these scammers in their tracks before they scam other citizens, especially the more vulnerable members of our communities.

Another way of ensuring that any contact we receive from the Test and Protect Service is correct and from the official source, is to download the Test and Protect app from https://protect.scot

When used, this app will send an alert if you have been in contact with another app user who has tested positive for the virus.

This app uses Bluetooth to make “virtual handshakes” between devices that have been in proximity to one another (two metres or less) for more than 15 minutes.

These contacts can be recalled anonymously at a later date if someone you have been in contact with tests positive for the virus.

The app does not collect any personal information, nor does it share any information on the person who may have tested positive when alerting users of potential contact.

As a reminder, the official contact number for the Test and Protect Service is 0800 030 8012, and if you are contacted by an advisor from this service, they will have no problem with you calling them back on this number.

You can also contact this number if you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Remember to be vigilant, and report anything that seems suspicious.

Stay safe and I hope this helps.