Council issueCovid scamalert

South Lanarkshire Council are urging locals to be extra vigilant as fraudsters posing as the NHS try to punt a new PCR test that detects the Omicron variant.

The scam, circulating on social media, advises about the availability of a newly developed PCR test – but the local authority have slammed the post as fake news, urging people not to click the link.

The fraudsters are offering free PCR tests that claim to detect the new coronavirus mutation.

However the email is a front to gain people’s trust and trick them into handing over personal details.

The link takes victims to a separate website – that looks identical to the NHS online portal – where they are asked for banking details and other private data.

The post reads, “get your free Omicron PCR today to avoid restrictions,” before going into great detail and offering a link to click and secure your test.

However, experts have confirmed that this is a fraudulent post.

SLC Trading Standards Tweeted the same link confirming it was false.

Their Tweet read: “A new scam email offering ‘Omicron PCR tests’ has been reported – it includes a link to request a ‘free’ test, which leads to a scam NHS website designed to collect your details.

“Get genuine information about Covid testing and vaccinations at NHSinform.”

Locals are being warned to keep an eye out for the phishing emails and report them immediately to officers or the local Trading Standards office.

Anyone with any concerns or information about fraudulent crime should contact police on 101.