Residents are being warned of scam text messages pretending to be from the NHS.
The message, which claims to be an official communication from the National Health Service (NHS), reads: "NHS: We've noticed you haven't applied for your COVID pass, please follow the link to complete registration to avoid fees...".
The message then links to a website made to look like a real NHS platform that asks the recipient to provide personal details, supposedly for registration purposes, but which could be used to undertake identity fraud.
Speaking about the scam, CTSI Chief Executive John Herriman said: "Since the first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, CTSI has witnessed countless scams themed around the pandemic.
"I have received many fake COVID-19 messages myself, and I don't think a single person hasn't received one. It appals me just how relentless the fraudsters are and how unscrupulous they are to target the public at a time of unprecedented vulnerability.
"We need a national conversation about public protection, and on how enforcement agencies including trading standards can adapt their methods to meet the challenge of a fast-evolving threat from fraudsters in our increasingly digitalised economy."
If you think you’ve been a victim of online fraud, you can report it directly to Action Fraud online by clicking here or by calling 0300 123 2040.
