Police in Newtown have warned people to be on the alert after hearing reports of scams involving the new coronavirus track and trace process.

The scam involves people contacting members of the public and telling them they have been on contact with somebody with Covid-19 – and then try to get them to pay £500 for a virus testing kit.

They also ask for their address.

In a message put out on Twitter, officers from Dyfed-Powys Police in Newtown said: "We have had some reports of scams relating to the track and trace service relating to Covid-19.

"The caller claims to be an NHS employee. They state that the individual has come into close contact with a person with Covid-19 and should now self-isolate for seven days.

"The criminal will now try and coerce the individual to give their address in order to receive a test kit. After that payment details will be requested in order to pay a "one off fee" of £500. The individual is then told that there are penalties for not complying.

"The Truth: Coronavirus test kits are provided by the NHS so they are free of charge. Scam text messages often encourage the recipient to click a link that redirects them to an unsecured website where personal information may be stolen."

The officers also issued advice. Real contact tracers will never do any of the following:

  • Ask you for details of card or bank account numbers.
  • Ask you to provide or fill in social media login details.
  • Ask you to set up a pin.
  • Ask you to download anything.

Remember:

  • Don’t click on the link.
  • Hang up if you get asked for payment details.
  • If in doubt, always submit information via the Test and Trace website.
  • Genuine tracers will be able to provide you with an account ID during the call, or it will be in a text or email sent.

The test and trace programme is being rolled out across the country in an attempt to stifle the spread of coronavirus.