Beware of ‘testers’ who just want £500 of your money

An contact tracing service, flagged up in this newspaper last week, has already been used by telephone fraudsters to extract £500 sums from unsuspecting victims.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Sep 2020, 12:47 BST

Scammers pretending to work for the Test and Protect scheme have been cold-calling people and demanding payment for tests.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon highlighted the emerging fraud during her daily media briefing – after hearing dedicated health professionals were being misrepresented by con artists.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said the crime was “truly and utterly despicable” and issued a reminder that Covid-19 tests were free, adding: “Test and Protect staff would never request financial information or attempt to secure payment for tests.

“They will only ask about people’s movements and who they have been in contact with.”

Trading Standards Scotland said genuine contact tracers may first send a text to let the individual know that they will receive a call from NHS Scotland. As well as establishing their movements, genuine callers will also inform people they will receive further information by email or post with advice on isolating.