NHS Scotland have launched a new test and protect mobile phone app, “designed to help us protect each other, reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid further lockdowns”. The app will alert you if you have been in close contact with another app user who tests positive for coronavirus and can help in determining contacts that you may have.
If you are contacted by NHS (test and protect) it will be by phone on a single national telephone number 0800 030 8012
Be aware that scammers are now exploiting this to commit fraud by contacting the general public advising them that they have been in near contact with someone who has tested positive with Coronavirus and as such you must get a test and self- isolate.
Scammer’s are thereafter asking for payments for booking tests / sending out testing kits by post / courier etc.
ADVICE
NHS Scotland Contact Tracers will:
in some cases, send a text to let you know that you will be receiving a call from NHS Scotland (if mobile is available)
call from a single, national telephone number – 0800 030 8012
always introduce themselves, tell you why they are contacting you and address you by your name
give you the option to call back the above number to provide reassurance that the service is legitimate
Be aware that phone numbers can be spoofed. Consider phoning back using a different phone from the one your received the call. Call will be received on mobile, if concerned phone back on landline
Contact Tracers will never ask you:
for information other than your movements and the people you have been physically close to
to phone a premium rate number
to make a purchase, payment or donation
for your medical history unrelated to coronavirus
for your bank details
for your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts
for your passwords or PIN numbers, or to set up any
for control of your computer, smartphone or tablet, or to download anything
to visit a website that does not belong to NHS Scotland or the Scottish Government
For further information please go to https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/test-and-protect