Fake Covid passports are being sold via a new SMS scam claiming to be from the NHS.
The bogus message would be sent to cell phones and attempt to direct victims to a dubious website designed to steal their personal data.
A new SMS scam targeting unsuspecting victims sees fraudsters posing as the NHS asking for payment in order to create a Covid pass, experts have warned.
Cyber security firm Malwarebytes released details of the scam and urged the public to be wary of text messages containing links and asking for payment details.
Now the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has received proof of the text based on the NHS Covid passes.
It claims to be an official NHS message and reads: ‘NHS: we noticed you did not request your Covid pass, please follow the link to complete registration to avoid fees. ”
The message then links to a website designed to look like a real NHS platform that asks the recipient to provide personal information, supposedly for a registration application, but which could be used to carry out identity fraud.
The scam website was designed to look like an official NHS page (Malwarebytes)
“Trade standards issue an urgent warning”
Katherine Hart, senior CTSI official, said: “The public should apply for an NHS Covid Pass or vaccination certificates on official platforms, which are different depending on whether they reside in England, Scotland, Wales or in Northern Ireland.
“Whenever we receive these messages we must not only avoid these scams but also report them to Action Fraud, or if you are in Scotland contact the Scottish Police.
“By reporting scams, authorities can get a more complete picture of this dangerous fraud which is destroying communities across the UK.”
This SMS scam is similar to an email scam discovered in July, which begged members of the public to get their health passports before going on vacation.
This scam also directed victims to a bogus website that collected personal data that could be used to commit fraud.
“Business standards dismayed by latest Covid scam”
John Herriman, chief executive of CTSI, said he had personally received many similar messages since the first lockdown last March.
He added: “Since the first Covid lockdown in March 2020, CTSI has witnessed countless pandemic-themed scams.
“I have received many fake Covid messages myself, and I don’t think a single person has received one. It revolts me how relentless scammers are and how unscrupulous they are for target the public at a time of unprecedented vulnerability.
“We need a national conversation about protecting the public and how enforcement agencies, including trade standards, can adapt their methods to meet the challenge of a rapidly evolving threat emanating from fraudsters in the industry. our increasingly digital economy. ”
For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer hotline on 0808 223 1133.
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-08-23 09:44:27
