Coronavirus test and trace system: A coronavirus test and trace system has been launched across England to help test those who have symptoms quickly, and to trace people they have been in close contact with.
However, as with any newsworthy development, the fraudsters are likely to use this as an opportunity to scam people, by either trying to obtain personal information, or to dupe them into handing over money.
You will be alerted by the NHS test and trace service if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.
The alert can come come by text, email or phone call.
NO FINANCIAL INFORMATION IS NEEDED AS THE SERVICE IS FREE.
Contact tracers will:
✔️ call you from 0300 013 5000
✔️ send you text messages from ‘NHS’
✔️ ask for your full name and date of birth to confirm your identity, and postcode to offer support while self-isolating
✔️ ask if you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms
✔️ provide advice on what you must do as you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus
Contact tracers will never:
❌ ask you to dial a premium rate number to speak to us (for example, those starting 09 or 087)
❌ ask you to make any form of payment or purchase a product of any kind
❌ ask for any details about your bank account
❌ ask for your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts
❌ ask you for any passwords or PINs, or ask you to set up any passwords or PINs over the phone
❌ disclose any of your personal or medical information to your contacts
❌ provide medical advice on the treatment of any potential coronavirus ymptoms
❌ ask you to download any software to your PC or ask you to hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet to anyone else
❌ ask you to access any website that does not belong to the government or NHS
Stay scam aware, and report any suspicious approaches to us via 0808 223 1133.
Find out more about the NHS test and trace service here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
Surgery phone calls: A patient registered with a Doctors Surgery in Bury St Edmunds received a call yesterday from someone who said they were from the practice’s community nursing team, and needed to go to their house to check for COVID-19 safety issues. They went on to tell the patient that they would be there within an hour.
The practice has confirmed this was nothing to do with them. The patient in question has carers in situ round the clock and they immediately became suspicious and called the mobile number back, but the person on the other end simply hung up. The matter has been reported to the police who are investigating. If you receive a similar call, please contact us on 0808 223 1133, or Suffolk Police on 101.
Streaming services: Since the beginning of lockdown, scammers have been exploiting the popularity of streaming services, and the increase of those that have signed up to the many services available. There has been a dramatic rise in suspicious domains impersonating a variety of streaming giants, with a great many phishing emails, text message and fake adverts pointing to them to attempt to steal your money. The data harvested on these spoof websites includes names, addresses and other personal information, as well as stealing credit-card or banking details for financial gain.
❌ Do not click on any links in the scam email.
❌ Do not reply to the email or contact the senders in any way.
❌ If you have clicked on a link in the email, do not supply any information on the website that may open.
❌ Do not open any attachments that arrive with the email.
If you think you may have compromised the safety of your bank details and/or have lost money due to fraudulent misuse of your cards, you should immediately contact your bank.
Report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, where the National Cyber Security Centre’s automated scanners will assess whether it is malicious or not. If so, any linked phishing sites will be removed immediately.
Paypal scam: At first glance, it may look like a PayPal link, but on closer inspection, it clearly directs to a different domain. The text alerts you to an important unread message, and that you have an issue that you need to resolve with your PayPal account. If you click the link as requested, a fake PayPal webpage opens in your smartphone's browser. The website then asks you to log on to your account, giving the scammers access to your username and password.
If you have any doubts, always go directly to a company’s website, not the link included in the text message. If you receive what you think is a fake message, forward the text message, including phone number or company name, to 7726. It won’t cost you anything and it means your phone provider can investigate the sender. Report all scams to us via 0808 223 1133.
Domino's pizza: Beware of the ‘free Domino’s pizza’ promotion being shared via Facebook, WhatsApp and as a text message. IT IS A SCAM!! It claims Domino's is giving away two free large pizzas per family to everyone this week to support the nation during Corona Pandemic. When you click the link in the message it takes you to a fake website that asks for personal details.
❌ DO NOT CLICK THE LINK
❌ DO NOT FILL IN THE FORM ON THE SITE
❌ DO NOT SHARE THE MESSAGE
Shops opening: All non-essential retail including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be expected to be able to reopen from 15 June if the Government’s five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines. The Government has produced guidance to help those retailers prepare for opening: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Before restarting work you should ensure the safety of the workplace by carrying out a risk assessment in line with the HSE guidance: https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/index.htm
As per the roadmap, hairdressers, nail bars and beauty salons, and the hospitality sector, remain closed, because the risk of transmission in these environments is higher where long periods of person to person contact is required.
If you need further advice, please call us via 0808 223 1133.