Halton Borough Council Trading Standards is warning residents of scam text messages concerning Covid testing kits.
Scams surrounding Covid are getting more sophisticated as the Pandemic has gone on.
The rules regarding getting free PCR or lateral flow tests has recently changed for most people in England (with some specific exceptions).
If someone now needs a lateral flow test, they would be expected to purchase one from high street pharmacies, supermarkets etc.
As the rules have changed, so have the scams.
Text messages try to convince the recipient they need to test because they have been a close contact with a person who has Covid.
A spokesman for Halton Borough Council Trading Standards, said: “This is a scam, only source lateral flow kits from genuine retailers.
“We urge residents and businesses to be wary of scammers taking advantage of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Be cautious of any unsolicited contact. Many scams involve criminals pretending to be from a genuine organisation such as: NHS or other health providers, national or local government, police, banks, charities, utility companies.”
Below is a link to the National Cyber Security Centre explaining what to do with scam emails, text messages, website and telephone calls: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams