RESIDENTS in west Cheshire are being warned to be wary of scammers following a spate of NHS Test and Trace scams.

Trading Standards officers from Cheshire West and Chester Council are aware that fraudsters are trying to con people into handing over personal details.

The NHS Test and Trace service will only get in touch with you if you have tested positive for the virus or you’ve been identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive for the virus.

If you’ve been tested, you’ll be contacted no later than 72 hours after taking the test and genuine texts, calls or emails from the NHS service won’t ask you to disclose any personal details upfront.

Anyone testing positive for the virus will be given a unique ID number to log in to the NHS Test and Trace website.

The only official web address for the NHS Test and Trace service is contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk.

Cllr Karen Shore, deputy council leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said: “The NHS Test and Trace service will never ask residents to share personal information upfront during a call or in a text.

“So, if someone is asking you for such information directly, they’re almost certainly a scammer. NHS Test and Trace will also never ask for any kind of payment.

“If you get a call about testing positive for coronavirus but you haven’t taken a test in the past few days or have never taken a coronavirus test, then the call is a scam.

“Our trading standards officers advise residents to check the caller or sender’s details carefully.

“It is shocking that unscrupulous people are taking advantage of the current pandemic to scam people.”

The NHS Test and Trace service will only be contacting people by phone, text message or email.

Calls and texts will come from one verified NHS number – 0300 013 5000 – however, there is still a risk of this number being hoaxed. Calls from any other numbers or from a withheld number should be treated as fake.

If you’ve received a suspicious Test and Trace message or call, you can report it to Action Fraud by visiting actionfraud.police.uk

Make a note of any details such as numbers and email addresses which will be useful.

If you think you’ve given payment or bank details to a scammer, let your bank know as soon as possible.

If you’ve shared other personal details, keep an eye out for unexpected bills or invoices addressed to you. Check your statements regularly for any new accounts you did not open.