Beware text scams claiming from “NHS” offering a Covid Pass

ByCraig Haley

People in the UK should be on the lookout for a new wave of fake text and emails being sent out claiming to offer COVID passes or digital passports.

The messages claim that as a vaccinated individual, the recipient is now eligible to receive their COVID pass which they can obtain by clicking a link. Some examples of these messages are below.

NHS: You are eligible to apply for a Covid Pass proving you have been vaccinated against COVID-19. You can apply for this here: LINK

NHS: Hi as a vaccinated individual you are eligible for a Covid Pass, giving you no travel requirements and full access into restaurants and public Events apply via: LINK. ProtectNHS

Some variants even claim the recipient could be fined unless they apply for a COVID-19 pass.

NHS: You are now eligible to apply for your COVID-19 Pass. If you do not apply, you may be fined. To apply, please visit LINK

However these links lead to phishing websites.

Phishing websites are designed to trick a visitor into believing they are on a legitimate website, but they will steal any personal or sensitive data entered into them and send those details to cyber crooks. These crooks can then potentially commit identity theft, access bank accounts and even scam the victim again using more targeted phishing scams.

Such phishing sites may also ask you to pay for the Covid Pass, like the fake website below.

You can see the phishing website is designed to look like the real NHS website, but it is not. Any financial data entered into the website is stolen.

The real Covid Pass is available for free on the NHS. You will not have to pay for it.


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How do I spot the ‘NHS COVID-19 Pass’ scams?

Always assume any unsolicited text or email about a COVID Pass is a scam.

Any text, email or phone call claiming you need to pay for the COVID pass, or that you will be fined if you don’t apply for one, will be scams. The pass is free, and you will not be fined for not applying for one.

Remember that the NHS website is on the NHS.uk domain, so always check the web address URL of a website before entering any information into it. We have more information on spotting fake web addresses here.

If you want to get a genuine Covid Pass from the NHS you can get the information on how to do so on their website here.

How do the scammers know I have been vaccinated?

The chances are that they don’t. They are sending out these messages en masse knowing that a significant number of recipients will indeed have been vaccinated.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest cybersecurity threats and our tips to stay safe online. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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