Warning on scam calls claiming to be NHS Test and Trace

Coronavirus: Community advice and support Shropshire CC

Shropshire Council’s trading standards team want to make residents aware of reports of a new telephone scam about NHS Test and Trace that is coming to light.

Callers are contacting residents saying they are from NHS Test and Trace, and telling the resident that they have been in contact with someone suffering from COVID-19, and need to have a test sent out to them.

This is then followed with a request for the resident’s bank details; the caller states that the test and results cost £500.

Currently, coronavirus test kits are provided by the NHS so they are therefore free of charge.

The Department of Health and Social Care has spoken out about this particular scam, with Dr Jenny Harries, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, saying that legitimate calls would be “very obvious”.

Shropshire Council’s trading standards team have been made aware of this, and want to urge people not to fall for this scam. If you need a test sent out to you because you are unable to attend a test site, this is done for free; both delivery and collection, followed up by the result.

Important! NHS Test and Trace will NOT:

  • Ask you for details of card or bank account numbers
  • Ask you to set up a password or PIN number over the phone
  • Ask you to provide or fill in social media login details
  • Ask you to download anything
  • Ask you to call a premium rate number, such as those starting 09 or 087.

Scam text messages often encourage the recipient to click a link that redirects them to an unsecured website where personal information may be stolen.  

NHS Test and Trace will only ever call from the number 0300 013 5000, or you will be texted from “NHS”.