Covid passport scams are targeting millions of Britons, conduing them to make payments and hand over their personal data.
Some people have been sent emails that looked suspiciously from their GP asking them for a Covid passport. Others have received texts instructing them to purchase one.
Martyn James, a consumer expert, stated that one of the main reasons scams work is the confusion about what a Covid passport or pass is. He also explained how to get one.
An official pass, which proves that someone is fully vaccinated, is available for free and can be used to access certain events such as concerts or matches or travel overseas.
However, fraudsters take advantage of a dearth of information from government officials and the health sector about whether or not people require Covid passports.
Some received emails that appeared to be from their GP, inviting them to apply for a Covid Passport. Other texts told them to go to a website to order one.
Covid passport frauds are increasing rapidly.
Action Fraud stated that the number of reports on this kind of fraud doubled between July and august, when it was reported at around 200 per month to 400 in September and Oct.
As only a few victims reported scams, it is possible that thousands of more victims will be conned.
According to Tessian, 12 million Britons (or one fifth) have received emails claiming they had been sent a fake vaccine passport. This scam appeared to come in response the NHS or any other official healthcare organisation.
Charles Brook, threat intelligence analyst at the firm said that criminals were taking advantage of uncertainty around vaccination certificates in order to trick people into giving them login credentials or personal financial information.
Kaspersky cybersecurity company Kaspersky security researcher David Emm said that criminals are ‘exploiting disruption caused by pandemic.
He stated that there had been an increase of COVID-19 fraud emails similar to those sent by NHS websites. This fake website tricked people to open malicious attachments or files and download malware.
Action Fraud reported that reports about this scam increased by 400% in October and September (stock photo).
One scam that was recently perpetrated on patients involved sending them emails that looked suspiciously to be from Patient Access – an online booking platform used by many GP practices.
They were invited to click a link to get their digital copy or hardcopy of the ‘NHS Covid-19 Passport. This took them to an identical page to the actual NHS website.
If they accepted or declined the invitation they needed to provide details including name, address, birth date, maiden name, and number of mobile phones.
They then had to input their card information, including their CVV code security code, as well as their bank account number, sort code, and financial institution details.
Criminals have all the information they need to access victims’ bank accounts, use their cards and clone them identities in order to perpetrate more fraud such as opening new accounts.
A similar scam was also used this week to target victims. People received a text containing a link, which led them to an authentic copy of the NHS website. It asked them to make a small payment of around £4.99 for the passport.
Martyn James, consumer expert (pictured), stated that if they know your information, fraudsters simply use it to enter the details into any website they think of. This includes shops and payment systems.
This money can be used to pay other fraudsters, as well as being taken by criminals.
James said that if they possess your information, fraudsters simply use it to enter the details into any website they want, shops or payment systems. They can change your address, max out your bank accounts or card through transfers or purchases, and they may even get your credit card number. However, this data could also be used to commit identity theft.
“This is especially shocking because these scams tap in to our subconscious thoughts and fears. It makes it easier to just click the submit button and forget about why we are doing this.
Patient Access spokeswoman said that they were aware of the emails. She added: “We would like to assure our users that their Patient Access accounts and personal information are safe.”
They advised patients to log in via the app or to type in www.patientaccess.com to ensure messages are genuine.
Warning posters have been posted by the Department of Health and Social Care about Covid Pass frauds.
An official NHS Covid Pass can be obtained for free through the NHS App or official NHS website. You also have the option to download a paper or digital version by calling 119.
According to a spokesperson, criminals use the NHS COVID Pass to try to get the attention of the public and convince them to give their money, personal details, or financial information. Access to the NHS App is completely free. You can get the NHS COVID pass for free. The NHS does not ask for financial information or payment.