Scam warning over fake Omicron texts and emails
The fraudulent message links to a fake NHS website
There are concerns over scam text messages and emails that use the Omicron variant to attempt to scare people into handing over personal information.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said scammers are pretending to be from the NHS, asking people to "apply now for Omicron PCR test to avoid restrictions".
The scam message claims that older PCR tests can't detect the Omicron variant and that a new type of test is needed.
It then encourages people to sign up for it, claiming those who refuse to be tested will be forced to isolate.
The fake message then links to a fake NHS site and asks people to fill in a form of personal details.
The CTSI warns the data could be used to access personal information, including bank accounts.
CTSI lead officer Katherine Hart said: "It disgusts me that scammers are jumping on the public's fears about the Omicron variant in an attempt to steal their personal data.
"All of the claims in the email are false. The public is especially vulnerable at this time, and I call on everyone to share this message so that we can minimise the impact of this scam.
"This is by no means the first time fraudsters have used the pandemic for their gain - since March 2020, the unscrupulous have angled their scams on everything from bogus Covid-19 business support grants and vaccination bookings to fake vaccine passes.
"It is also crucial that the public reports this scam to the authorities. By doing so, the public aids consumer protectors in mapping out the problem and recognising the sheer scale of it."
Anyone who encounters a scam is encouraged to contact Action Fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040; in Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 800 9060; or if in Northern Ireland, contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.
Learn more about the current 'Plan B' restrictions to avoid getting scammed:
Face coverings
Face coverings have already become an added feature of our lives since they were reinstated at the beginning of December, but from Friday 10th December face masks will also be needed indoors in places like cinemas and theatres.
Boris Johnson said rules around the wearing of face coverings would be "further extended" to "most public indoor venues" including theatres and cinemas.
The Prime Minister told a press briefing in Downing Street: "There will of course be exemptions where it is not practical, such as when eating, drinking, exercising or singing."
Working from home
Under the rules of "Plan B", the government has reimposed the need to work from home where possible in order to stem the spread of the virus. This guidance comes into place from Monday 13th December.
Nightclubs
Under the government's "Plan B" , COVID passports will become necessary to get into all nightclubs. This is due to the close proximity people would be to each other in the venue and help to reduce the spread of the virus.
Indoor spaces
Indoor settings that have more than 500 people unseated will require a COVID Pass to enter. Examples of settings that would need attendees to have a COVID Pass would include music venues and large receptions.
Outdoor events
Outdoor events are not exempt from using COVID Passes either. Unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people will need people to have a vaccine pass. This includes outdoor music festivals, such as Glastonbury Festival.
Stadiums
COVID Passes will be needed to get into any event that is expecting more than 10,000 people to attend. This would include major sports events such as football matches, as well as music concerts in arenas.
The Prime Minister said: "The NHS Covid pass can still be obtained with two doses but we will keep this under review as the boosters roll out.
"And having taken clinical advice since the emergence of Omicron, a negative lateral flow test will also be sufficient."