The biggest scams of the past five years

From fake NHS Covid tests to QR-code parking scams, we've exposed hundreds of scams to help you stay one step ahead of the scammers.

Take a look at the biggest, nastiest and most convincing scams we've seen since we launched the Which? Scam Alert newsletter five years ago.

Some of these are still active today

Source: Which? (24 Apr 2025)

Over 60? Still Feeling Isolated After Covid lockdown? Read on..

click image to view enlarged

We realise that there are some older residents in Bexley that are still not back to normal with travelling and shopping after the scares of the covid lockdown period.

Those who might want to gradually get out more might want to dip their toes by going to local group meetings such as the one being held in St.Mary's & St.James Ward on Fridays between 2-4pm.

at Baldwyns Park Baptist Church Hall,

Dartford Road,

Bexley,

Kent,

DA5 2AY - map

 

It is called Elderberries and they meet in the Baptist Church hall every Friday 2-4.

 

For over 60s and under www.evergreencareuk.org. Find out more here.

This Friday (21st) they are holding a special event with live music….. 

 

It is for anybody not just local ward residents.

Stay one step ahead of scams

New Omicron Jab:  

There is to be a new Omicron Covid vaccine to be rolled out within the next few weeks, as the UK become the first country to approve the specifically tailored jab, ahead of fears for winter spikes. With the rollout for the latest booster, there are concerns that covid related fraud may increase as a result, with criminals targeting potential victims with vaccine scams, not too dissimilar to the ones seen previously. This will be an area which will continue to be monitored.

Energy Price Cap:  

With the severe increase in the energy price cap reported, fraudsters are likely to seize this opportunity to exploit those looking to change energy provides and/or tariffs. Individuals are being warned to be vigilant to avoid falling victim to new campaigns associated with energy supplies, for examples offers which seem too good to be true or fake rebates.

Cost of Living Crisis:  

With the cost of living crisis deepening scammers will be using the economic downturn to their own benefit. The warning comes as many are due to receive a first instalment of a cost of living payment, worth £326.

Reports have been received by Action Fraud of fraudsters attempting to exploit vulnerable people with the promise of money saving schemes, including, energy and council tax rebates or phishing exercises encouraging individuals to apply/ claim a ‘cost of living payment’ via text, followed by an email to gain further information from the victim.

Source: Sep and Oct 2022 (ourwatch) (pdf)

 

*Sound the klaxon* another round of Covid scams incoming

A spike in cases of the Omicron variant has led to scammers sending out text messages asking you to order a test. The text includes a link that could download adware or spyware onto your device.

All official Covid guidance can be found on the government [Gov.uk] and NHS [NHS.uk] websites. Find out more about the dodgy URL to look out for.

New Covid text scams

Get an NHS COVID Pass from the official source

Get an NHS COVID Pass, find out who can get one, how to get one, and what to do if yours has expired from the official links below:-

NHS COVID Pass. 

Get an NHS COVID Pass >. Get an NHS COVID Pass online

More at GOV COVID-19

Beware of NHS COVID pass fraud

NHS Covid test scam

With recent changes to the Covid testing rules, fraudsters are taking the opportunity to capitalise on this by sending text messages asking you to order a test and pay a delivery fee.

Watch our video to find out the scam’s red flags, how to report it and where you can buy genuine Covid tests.

Uncovering the Covid test scam

12 emerging fraud threats to watch out for

A recent Office for National Statistics report shows that fraud now accounts for 40% of all crimes recorded.

Scammers have exploited our fear and confusion, whether by impersonating the government to offer fake Covid-19 grants, setting up fake NHS websites to steal card details, or posing as delivery companies to target online shoppers.

We reveal what the latest data from Action Fraud tells us about fraudsters' tactics and the 12 emerging threats we all need to watch out for.

Fraudsters' latest tactics

New Scams to Watch Out For in 2022

Mostly related to the US but the UK scam that is highlighted in this useful video is the Fake NHS Omicron PCR test scam and how it works and what to look out for to not fall for it.

Also to be aware of bold new scams to watch out for in 2022.

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.

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.

Beware fake phishing email scam "Generate your new Green Pass (Booster dose)"

Beware a new scam email is circulating as follows:-

"Dear Sir/Madam,   New Green Pass can now be used to demonstrate proof of a booster or third dose for outbound international travel.   Starting today people who have had a booster or a third dose will be able to demonstrate their vaccine status through the Green Pass from 20 January 2022.   Old Green Pass will stop working from 30 January 2022 becoming inactive and everyone needs to generate a new Green Pass which will include Booster dose.   In order to get a new Green Pass follow the instructions bellow.

Who is eligible? All eligible people aged 18 or over. UK citizens and their families, and legal residents.   How do I generate a new Green Pass? You can generate your new Green Pass via NHS portal by clicking the button below:-

*Fake link (screenshot here and link removed)

This update to the Green Pass will mean people can have their complete medical picture at their fingertips if they are going on holiday or seeing loved ones overseas.   All eligible people aged 18 or over can get their booster jab at one of thousands of sites across the country. It has never been easier to get this important extra protection – if you are aged 18 or over, or eligible for other reasons (such as being a frontline health or care worker, or at greater risk from COVID-19), please get your booster vaccination now. This can be three months after your last dose." *The link points to:- Fake link (screenshot here and link removed) How to protect yourself: In the UK, coronavirus vaccines will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy local to you, to receive your vaccine. Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay. - The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details. - The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking passwords. - The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine. - The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.   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.

 

Beware of COVID Pass Fraud

 

Beware of COVID Pass Fraud - Click image to view enlarged

Also available as a poster here (pdf).

Scam alert: Omicron variant PCR test phishing emails

Scam alert: Omicron variant PCR test phishing emails

Wasting no time at all, scammers are already sending fake emails about the new Omicron variant of Covid, to steal personal data and bank details.

Another new fake email attempting to cash in on the confusion and anxiety surrounding the pandemic is doing the rounds, impersonating the NHS and offering ‘a free Omicron PCR today to avoid restrictions’. 

Which? has reported this website to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) but other scam texts, emails and calls related to Omicron are likely to follow suit.

Beware:New COVID Digital Passport phishing scam text

 

Digital passport phishing scam from 07306895593

Dangerous url as shown and blocked

Dangerous url

Reported to 7726 as shown in first image [click any image to view enlarged]

For further information visit https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/search/label/COVID-19

Scam calls, messages and emails

There has been a significant rise in scam calls and messages during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Our advice can help you spot a scam and keep yourself safe.

Sometimes we receive phone calls, messages and emails from scammers. These are criminal acts, usually aimed at encouraging you to hand over money, or your personal or financial information.

It can be hard to tell if a spam text, email or call is from a legitimate company or a scammer. For example, scammers could pretend to be from your bank or building society, or they might claim to be from your phone or broadband company.

Other examples include criminals claiming to represent HM Revenue and Customs, the NHS, delivery companies, or even Ofcom.

In this section of the website we’ve included some information on different types of scams that are currently happening.

We also have further guidance on how to avoid unwanted calls and messages.

What should I do if I come across a scam? *

If you think a phone call, text or email that you’ve received might be a scam, don’t do what the scammers are asking you to do.

If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Forward suspicious text messages to

7726

which is free of charge.

What if I think I have been scammed?

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

Action Fraud is the reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Source: Ofcom

DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK IN THE MESSAGE as stated in the following useful video on 'How to forward a SCAM TEXT message to 7726', but on the text only part.

How to Spot Scam Phone Text Messages:-

Spam text messages that try and trick you into giving them details and money are very common. follow the advice below. Don’t reply to any spam text message Don’t click on any links in the text message Don't give any personal information Report spam texts to - see * above or as shown in the video.

Beware of NHS COVID pass fraud - new text scam

 

Click to view enlarged - Fake COVID pass fraud text

See new scam text message in the above screenshot above received by a local Borough resident. Notice the spelling mistake and the fake url.

Visit the post here for further tips and advice.

Beware of NHS COVID pass fraud

 

Criminals are using the NHS COVID Pass as a way to target the public by convincing them to hand over money, financial details and personal information.

They are sending imitation text messages, emails and making phone calls pretending to be from the NHS, and offering fake vaccine certificates for sale online and through social media.

If you are contacted about your NHS COVID Pass:

1. Be alert to links and attachments in unexpected text messages or emails
2. Do not respond to requests for money, passwords or financial details
3. Challenge: Could it be fake?
4. Use the official NHS COVID Pass website (see below)

The NHS COVID Pass is available to demonstrate your COVID-19 status either in a digital or paper format via the NHS App, the NHS website or by calling 119.

For information on how to get your free NHS COVID Pass, visit www.nhs.uk/nhscovidpass.

What to do if you suspect you have been a victim of an NHS COVID Pass scam

If you receive a call and suspect it to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you are suspicious about a text message, forward it 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 visiting actionfraud.police.uk or calling 0300 123 2040.

If you have any information relating to NHS COVID Pass or vaccine certificate fraud you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers online at covidfraudhotline.org or phone on 0800 587 5030.

Poster: Beware of COVID Pass FRAUD (pdf)

Source: Action Fraud [17-09-2021]

Watch out for scams related to NHS Test and Trace

 

The Government carries out public health quarantine compliance checks on individuals who have a legal duty to quarantine at home for 10 days following international travel.

This means that if you are required to quarantine, you may receive a visit from someone working on behalf of NHS Test and Trace to make sure you are complying with your legal duty.

What will happen when I get visited?

Staff employed on behalf of the NHS Test and Trace service will come to the address listed on your passenger locator form.

• The staff will be wearing NHS Test and Trace branded clothing.
• They will identify themselves verbally and present an ID card with information including their name, role and employer.
• The staff will follow social distancing guidelines where possible.
• The staff will state your name and ask you to confirm it. They will also ask to see your driving licence or passport to confirm your identity.
• They will then ask you a few questions. This will help establish whether you are following your duty to quarantine and enable them to provide additional information, support or guidance where necessary.

You may receive follow-up visits within the 10-day quarantine period.

What NHS Test and Trace staff will not do

NHS Test and Trace staff will follow coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines when carrying out compliance checks and will only ask you questions relating to your duty to quarantine.

NHS Test and Trace staff should not:

• enter your home
• ask you to provide your name - staff will already have your name and will ask ‘Am I speaking to —–?’ for you to confirm
• ask for your National Insurance number, telephone number or any other identifying information, other than your passport or driver’s licence
• photograph your identification document
• ask for your financial details, such as your bank or credit card information
• ask you for money or issue a fine. NHS Test and Trace staff have no legal power to issue a fixed penalty notice or a fine. Only the police can issue fixed penalty notices for breaching quarantine rules

If someone visits you claiming to be from NHS Test and Trace and you do not believe they are legitimate, call 999 and ask for the police.

By whom are NHS Test and Trace team members employed?

• The Government have hired a private contractor to undertake these checks. This contractor (or their approved sub-contractors) will have ID relating to their company and a Home Office letter of authority relating to the checks

I’ve received an email/text suggesting that I will be visited, is this legitimate?

• No – the NHS Test and Trace team will not provide prior notification of a visit

Will NHS Test and Trace staff contact me to tell me that they will visit?  

• No – you will not receive prior notification of a visit by the NHS Test and Trace team

What if I receive a visit from the NHS Test and Trace team and I am not meant to be quarantining?

• If you receive a visit from the NHS Test and Trace team that you were not expecting – because you do not need to quarantine or because you have not travelled abroad – there is no action you need to take.
• If you have not travelled abroad during this time, or there is no reason for you to receive a visit from NHS Test and Trace, you can contact NHS Test and Trace online or telephone 119 to confirm that you should not be quarantining, or telephone 999 if a suspected crime is in progress.

If there is reason to believe you may be breaching quarantine rules, staff may refer your case to the police and may receive a visit from them.

If the police have reasonable grounds to believe that you have committed a criminal offence in breach of your duty to quarantine, they may issue you with a fine (fixed penalty notice). Fines start at £1,000 for a first offence and can increase up to £10,000 for repeat offences.

If you are not happy with the service, you can contact NHS Test and Trace online or telephone 119.

Source: Action Fraud (21-07-2021)

Bexley vaccination programme - walk-in clinics

Click here to find dates/times of vaccine walk-in clinics next week in Bexley.

 

This weekend’s pfizer clinics are advertised on NHSBexleyCCG twitter here.

 

For all upcoming clinics in Bexley, visit COVID-19 vaccines | London Borough of Bexley.

 

For more information, visit nhsselvax.com

 

Have a great weekend, keep safe.

 

Best wishes

Membership Team @ Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust

Daily updates on local vaccine clinics

The London Borough of Bexley, NHS South East London CCG, local GP practices and the voluntary sector are working together to make it as easy as possible for you to find a local clinic for your COVID vaccination. 

Additional walk in clinics available this weekend -

Saturday 17 July
9am-5pm
Queen Mary’s Hospital
Frognal Avenue
Sidcup DA14 6LT
Pfizer 1^st and 2^nd vaccinations (8 week after 1^st)

Saturday 17 July
10am-4pm
General Golden Square (Woolwich)
Thomas Street
Woolwich SE18 6ET
Pfizer 1^st and 2^nd vaccinations (8 week after 1^st)

Sunday 18 July
12-7pm
Greenwich Park (by café at top of the park)
Greenwich SE10 8QY
Pfizer 1^st and 2^nd vaccinations (8 week after 1^st)

Two doses of the vaccine offer high levels of protection against symptomatic disease from Covid and that includes protection from the Delta variant, which is currently escalating in Bexley, wider London, and North Kent..

Get more updates on vaccine clinics

Let's Talk Vaccine bus in Bexleyheath

Our Let's Talk COVID-19 vaccine bus will be at Bexleyheath Broadway (beside Primark) from 19 to 24 July. Staff and volunteers will be on hand with information about the vaccine so why not pop along and talk to us. You can also pick up a home testing kit. Find out when the vaccine bus will be in your area

Walk-in vaccination clinics in South East London

In addition to all regular walk-in services – including those at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ hospitals, Montgomery Hall in Lambeth and the Bromley Civic Centre – this weekend we have mass vaccination services at

 

• The Tate Modern on Friday 16^th – 5pm to 9pm, Moderna clinics at St Thomas’,
• The Kia Oval on Saturday 17^th -  8am to 8pm  (walk-in and bookings are available for first and second 
• doses (eight weeks after the first)
• Greenwich Park on Sunday 12-7pm (walk-in and bookings are available for first and second doses (eight weeks after the first)

For further information on these and all south-east London walk-in and pop up vaccination clinics visit: selondonccg.nhs.uk/popupclinics  

 

Whatever your reason, if you’re over 18, don’t miss your vaccine  

 

In addition to our VaccineFacts resource, outdoor advertising, and street promotional team, NHS partners and local authorities in south east London are running a campaign to engage younger adults to get the COVID-19 vaccine.  #DontMissYourVaccine reminds people of the personal benefits to them when vaccinated against COVID-19 and signposts them to simple ways to access a vaccine.  Please use this toolkit to share the messages widely. It contains messaging and content for a variety of channels along with a link to the campaign advert: Over 18? Protect yourself and your community. 

 

Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?

For those with questions about the COVID-19 vaccine follow @our_healthier_sel on Instagram and join Dr Debisi Olunloyo next Weds (21 July) at 6pm for an InstaLive Q&A to get your questions answered. #DontMissYourVaccine 

 

 

Guide to conversations about the vaccine 

Don’t forget our useful guide to help with difficult conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine. The guide contains some tops tips on how to prepare and plan conversations, listen, be supportive and understanding as well as links to further useful information about the vaccine. 

 

Have a great weekend and stay safe as we prepare for lockdown easing.

COVID-19 vaccination walk-in and pop-up clinics

If you are eligible for a COVID vaccination, you can get your COVID vaccination from a number of walk-in and pop-up clinics.

Please use the information below to find out more about a vaccination clinic near to you. This list will be updated regularly as more services are made available. Please check back to find a suitable clinic near to you. You can also access our PDF copy of existing pop-up clinics.

Alternatively, you can contact your GP practice or use the NHS National Booking Service.

Source: Oxleas NHS FT and https://selondonccg.nhs.uk/what-we-do/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine/pop-up-clinics/