NHS Scam warning from a North Cray Residents Association member

A local borough resident received a text message saying his Covid pass was ready, and to use a link* provided below it with a code. It would charge him £4.99 which he thought appropriate with the current deficit the NHS are facing.

The link* navigated to an official looking Government NHS site and asked him to sign in and enter his card details, which he inadvertently did. It then asked for the sort code and bank details which alarmed him.

Quickly deleted everything and froze his bank account.

 
He tried to report this but found it was not easy. He alerted Neighbourhood Watch to warn others that if anyone receives the same text message, to please delete immediately.

It is apparent from this experience a victim can fall for such a scam in this way.

*Needless to say do no click on links that turn out of the blue. Take time to research and check this blog for advice and further information on similar scams.

Please heed the advice in this link at https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2022/01/beware-fake-phishing-email-scam.html that shows how to protect yourself.

The https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/ website also shows how to challenge and stop such fraud.

Further guides and information on how to prevent fraud and cyber crime is also available at https://www.met.police.uk/littlemedia. This booklet is a very useful guide which you can download from The Little Book of Big Scams, fifth edition (pdf)

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge.

If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.