Recently scam emails and texts have been sent that appear to come from the NHS and invite people to register for their Covid-19 Pass, which shows an individual’s vaccination status.
The emails and texts look convincing but are not real. Instead of explaining how someone can access their Covid-19 Pass for free – through the NHS App, online at Coronavirus (COVID-19) or by calling NHS 119 - anyone clicking on the link is directed to a fake website that asks for personal details and payment to cover an administration fee.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “There is lots of interest in Covid-19 passes at the moment, as they demonstrate a person’s vaccine status and are needed when travelling abroad.
“It is despicable that fraudsters are using Covid-19 to target people and con them into giving out their financial details. Please remember that the NHS App and the Covid-19 Pass are free to use; you will never be asked to enter financial information to access a Covid-19 Pass. If you are, it’s a scam and should be reported.”
The official NHS App is free to download and allows a person to download their Covid-19 Pass, which is required for travel abroad and may need to be shown to access some venues and events. The NHS will never ask for bank details to access the app, or to get a Covid-19 Pass.
Through the app, Covid-19 Passes are available to anyone over the age of 18 2 weeks after the second dose of their vaccine, if they have recorded a negative PCR test result within the last 48 hours, or for up to 6 months after a positive PCR test (after self isolation). Passes can also be requested online at Get your NHS COVID Pass letter or by calling NHS 119.
Anyone who receives a suspicious Covid-19 Pass email should report it by forwarding it on to report@phishing.gov.uk.
