Be alert to Test and Trace potential scam

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is urging residents across the district to remain vigilant after being alerted to new reports of fraudsters posing as people from the NHS Test and Trace programme, launched to help control the COVID-19 virus.

The District Council is concerned that the system is being targeted by scammers, who are pretending to be contact tracers in a bid to trick people into parting with their personal information.

People will be alerted by the NHS Test and Trace service if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.

Contact tracers will:

• call from 0300 013 5000
• send text messages from 'NHS'
• ask people to sign into the NHS test and trace contact-tracing website
• ask for full name and date of birth to confirm identity, and postcode to offer support while self-isolating
• ask about the coronavirus symptoms
• ask people to provide the name, telephone number and/or email address of anyone they have had close contact with in the two days prior to symptoms starting (as with your own details these will be held in strict confidence and will be kept and used only in line with data protection laws)
• ask if anyone they have been in contact with is under 18 or lives outside of England
  
  

They will not ask:

• for bank details, or payments
• for details of any other accounts, such as social media
• set up a password or PIN number over the phone
• to call a premium rate number, such as those starting 09 or 087

 
Cllr Jo Barker, People Portfolio says: "Unfortunately, even during this difficult time, fraudsters will find ways to take advantage of people.  No one is immune from scams, so we're encouraging everyone to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves by knowing what you will and won't be asked if you are contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service."

Find out more about the NHS Test and Trace service by visiting - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/nhs-test-and-trace-if-youve-been-in-contact-with-a-person-who-has-coronavirus/

If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, please report it to Action Fraud at www.action.fraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.