Halton Borough Council has issued a warning after reports of scams which have been circulating following the launch of the Government’s contact tracing mobile phone app.

Trading Standards Officers want to make residents aware of people taking advantage of the mobile phone app, currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight and expected to be rolled out nationwide soon.

The text message asks the recipient to click on a link to a bogus website, which then asks for personal details.

Scammers then use the information to gain access to bank accounts and commit other forms of identity fraud.

The scam text reads: “Someone who came in contact with you tested positive or has shown symptoms for Covid-19 & recommends you self-isolate/get tested. More at…”

Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “These scams are getting more and more clever. I urge everyone to be on their guard.

“If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.”

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 0808 223 1133