This Please order a test kit text message is a scam
This morning I received a text message from NHS-NoReply which read:
“NHS: You’ve been in close contact with a person who has contracted the Omicron variant. Please order a test kit via: web link redacted “
The web link has been redacted as I don’t want visitors to click through to a website that scams people.
The associated image shows a screenshot of the text.
These are the reasons why this text message is a scam
- The text link uses a .com domain but the NHS does not use the .com domain on any of its websites
- Here is a link to Malwarebytes Labs which explains more about this scam
Do not touch or click on the web link within this text
Googling this subject I found that touching or clicking on the web link would lead you to a very convincing but fake NHS website. You have no guarantee the website does not contain malware that could harm your mobile phone or computer.
Most likely, you would be asked to make an online payment for the COVID test kit and/or for the delivery of it.
What you should do
Delete the message from your mobile phone. If you have the facility to receive texts on your computer, you should also delete the text from your computer.
What you should do if you touched on or clicked the link
First of all, delete the message. Then, using antivirus and malware software, run a scan on the devices in question.
What you should do if you divulged any personal information to the website
If you passed over any banking or other personal details to the website. change your banking login details immediately, contact your bank and keep an eye on your on-line banking service and look out for any suspicious activity. By wary of any telephone callers who say they are from your bank.
Further Resources about this scam
This police website has additional information about the please order a test kit scam, including how you can report this type of scam.
Watch a Which.co.uk video about this scam
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