Neighbourhood Watch

NHS Test and Trace Service Scam

Unfortunately, even though the incidence of coronavirus has reduced, there are still related scams. An elderly person has received a telephone call from someone claiming to represent the NHS test and trace service. The caller told the person answering the telephone that they had been in contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19 and that they now needed to be tested within 72 hours. The caller then said there was a charge of £50 for the test and took full bank card details. Any test under the NHS Test and Trace service is free. Contact tracers will NEVER ask you to make any form of payment, or ask for any details about your bank account, although they will ask for your full name and date of birth to confirm your identity, and your postcode so that they can offer support while you are self-isolating. Many more details about the service, including what contact tracers will and won't do, is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-itworks.

Always remember the advice from Take Five to Stop Fraud:  STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.  CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.  PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud. Always report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you're not sure whether a telephone call, email or text is a scam, you can talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth:

Graham (01763) 260358 Linda (01763) 261405 Peter (01763) 260323 Tim (01763) 262801 You can contact Neighbourhood Watch by telephoning Graham on the above number, or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch