Councils have warned that criminals are trying to exploit the test and trace system by trying to convince people they must pay for the testing kit.
The Local Government Association (LGA) said fraudsters are pretending to be from the NHS Test and Trace Service and wrongly telling people they have been in contact with someone that has tested positive for coronavirus. They then demand money to cover the cost of a testing kit.
Research shows that more than one in three people in the UK have been targeted in scams since lockdown began.
Cllr Simon Blackburn, chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: ‘Councils across the country are playing a key role in supporting the NHS Test and Trace Service and on plans to manage local outbreaks. This ruthless scam undermines this vital work to save lives by exploiting people who want to do the right thing and stop the spread of the virus.
’People may be contacted by the Test and Trace Service by text, email or phone, but the official tracers will never ask you to make any payment or for your bank details.’
