Scam alert: NHS COVID Pass
Criminals are using the NHS COVID Pass as a way of targeting the public by convincing them to hand over money, financial details and personal information.
The NHS COVID Pass has been designed to demonstrate your COVID-19 status in either a digital or paper format via the NHS App, the NHS website or by calling 119.
What to watch out for
The fraudsters are sending imitation text messages and emails, as well as making phone calls, pretending to be from the NHS. They are offering fake vaccine certificates for sale online and through social media platforms.
How to avoid falling for these scams
If you receive any communication about the NHS COVID Pass, please remember:
- The NHS App is free
- The NHS COVID Pass is free
- The NHS will never ask for payment or any financial details
- If somebody claiming to be from the NHS contacts you about the COVID Pass and asks you for money, financial details and/or personal information, do not give them anything and cease contact with them.
What action should you take?
- If you receive a call and suspect it to be fraudulent, hang up
- If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk
- If you are suspicious about a text message you have received, forward it to the number 7726, which is free-of-charge
- If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, you should report this directly to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting actionfraud.police.uk
- If you think you may have handed over your bank details to scammers, please contact us immediately.