As the rules change regarding both international travel and booster jabs, it allows scammers the opportunity to take advantage of any uncertainty the changes create.
For example, consumers have recently received emails (see attached) falsely claiming it is from the NHS, stating a new hard copy and digital Covid-19 Passports are now available, but only through the email.
Some of the key hallmarks that this is a scam are:
• The email is addressed not to the person but their email address
• Only the recipient of the email or a SMS can use the service
• The only way to access the service is through the links in the email
• The email states that the recipient is required to reply within 12 hours
Clicking through the links will likely result in at least one of the outcomes below:
• You will be asked to provide personal details
• You will be asked to make a payment for the service
• You will inadvertently download malware/ransomware on to your computer
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Boards Member for Trading Standards Cllr Martha Lloyd Jones, said: “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