Thieves claim to be from health service

Trading Standards Scotland reveals five scams that are claiming victims during the pandemic:

VACCINATION

Since the Scottish Government began its Covid-19 vaccination programme, there have been reports of scammers sending emails and texts claiming to be from the NHS, telling people that they are eligible to apply for their vaccine.

Scam messages usually ask the recipient to click on a link leading to an online form which looks similar to the real NHS website – these bogus websites ask them to enter personal and financial details.

There have been reports of scammers posing as NHS staff who have visited vulnerable people at home and offered them the vaccine for a fee, or even administered fake vaccines.

TEST AND TRACE

People are being warned to be wary of fraudsters posing as contact tracers working for NHS Scotland’s Test & Protect service.

There have been reports of cold callers telling people they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 and asking them to pay money to take a test. Genuine contact tracers may first send you a text to let you know that you will receive a call from NHS Scotland.

SHOPPING

Fake online stores are becoming more common. These websites offer high-demand items at cheap prices and look like legitimate businesses.

There have been complaints recently from Scots who have bought sportswear, gardening equipment, clothing and electrical goods from bogus online stores.

In all cases, the companies do not reply to emails or phone calls.

Be wary also of pop-up adverts. These may ask you to enter personal details in return for a discount code or special offer.

However, they are often simply harvesting data, which can then be used to develop a target profile for fraudsters.

AT THE DOOR

There have been reports of companies offering to “cleanse” properties of Covid-19 bacteria.

Also, look out for cases of fraudsters cold-calling households and posing as NHS or Red Cross staff. They might offer to help people with their shopping in return for payment, attempt to sell home testing kits or ask for donations to fund a vaccine.

Genuine staff from the

Be wary on the phone

NHS or Red Cross will not turn up at your door unannounced to ask for money or to sell home testing kits.

ON THE PHONE

Unsolicited telephone calls are one of the most popular methods used by crooks to find victims.

These typically involve fraudsters deceiving people into believing they are speaking to a police officer, a member of bank staff or a representative of another trusted company or agency such as a government department.

Usually, the fraudster will convince an individual that they have been a victim of fraud, gain their confidence and will then ask for personal and financial information in order to gain access to their bank account.