Beware! NHS COVID Pass Text Scam Hits the UK
Scammers are targeting Brits with fake NHS texts claiming you haven’t applied for your COVID pass. The message urges you to follow a link to avoid “fees” – but it leads to a fake NHS site designed to steal your personal data.
Phoney NHS Website Puts Your Identity at Risk
The dodgy site looks real but is a trap to harvest your details for identity fraud. This latest scam echoes a similar fake email from July, which pressured holidaymakers to get their vaccine passport — also funneling victims to a fraudster’s website.
CTSI Chief Slams Ruthless Fraudsters Preying on Vulnerable Public
“I have received many fake COVID-19 messages myself. It appals me how relentless and unscrupulous these fraudsters are, striking when people are most vulnerable,” said CTSI Chief Executive John Herriman.
Herriman called for a national discussion on how trading standards and enforcement agencies can evolve to fight these fast-moving digital scams. The upcoming CTSI Symposium in Birmingham will tackle this issue head-on.
How to Protect Yourself Against NHS COVID Pass Scams
CTSI Lead Officer Katherine Hart warned: “Always get your NHS COVID Pass or vaccination certificates through official sites depending on whether you live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.”
She urged victims to report scam texts to Action Fraud, or Police Scotland if in Scotland, to help authorities track and stop fraudsters.
- Never click suspicious links in texts or emails claiming to be NHS.
- Check official COVID pass information at NHS UK.
- Report scams immediately to Action Fraud via their website or phone.
Need Help? Get Advice & Join Friends Against Scams
For consumer advice, ring the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
The government’s Friends Against Scams campaign empowers people to spot and stop scams in their communities. You’re encouraged to join and fight back.
This pressing issue, along with other consumer protection topics, will be discussed at the CTSI Symposium from 28-30 September 2021 at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms. Click here for more details.
About CTSI
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has represented trading standards professionals since 1881. CTSI works to create fairer, safer consumer and business environments nationwide. Its members deliver frontline trading standards services across the UK.
