Time to take a break from everything going on in America right now with the Black Lives Matter movement to check in on our old pal Coronavirus, with news coming in today that some of the worst people in society are trying to scam people into paying for COVID-19 tests that they will never receive.

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Here’s the story that’s going around Facebook at the moment:

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Just to let you know this is a telephone call my friend received today. Be aware folks. X
‘Good morning, I’m calling from the NHS track and trace service. According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested postive for COVID-19. This means that you now need to self-isolate for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test.’

‘OK. Can you tell me who that person was?’

‘I’m not able to tell you that. That is confidential information.’

‘Right. Um… so ….’

‘But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So can I just get the best mailing address so that we can send a kit to you?’

‘Ok (gives address)’

‘Thank you – and I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalise this and send the kit to you.’

‘Sorry – a payment card? I though this was all free?’

‘No – I’m afraid not. There is a one-off fee of £500 for the kit, and test results. Could you read off the long card number for me, please, when you’re ready.’

‘No – that’s not right. This is part of the NHS so there’s no charge.’

‘I’m afraid there is. Can you give me the card number please – this is very important, and there are penalties for not complying.’

Puts phone down.

This is how scammers work. And vulnerable people will fall for it.

Don’t fall for it…!

I feel like I’m probably aware enough to realise that this is a scam, but it’s important to realise that there are definitely other people out there who are vulnerable for whatever reason who could easily fall into this trap. Spread the word and let everyone know that all trace and test kits are free and to ignore these people.

Sad that I even have to write posts about this, but nothing really surprises me in 2020 anymore. What a year.

For more of the same, remember this newsagent in Glasgow who had loads of them? That was weird.