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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be worried he's fallen for a scam?

43 replies

QuestionableMouse · 12/09/2020 11:40

My dad has just rang me to tell me how he's been picked to take part in some Corona tracking scheme. He had to ring them and provide details and they'll send him a test kit out soon. He's 77 and I'm not sure how they picked him or got his details.

I've had a very quick Google and can't find anything about it online. He said the woman on the phone was American which makes me wonder about scams.

Does anyone know if this might be legit? I'm calling in to my parents in a while so will have a look at the letter.

Thank you

OP posts:
MomToTwoBabas · 12/09/2020 11:43

Hopefully not a scam OP

Slumcat · 12/09/2020 11:44

That’s a scam for sure, was it bank details they wanted? If so he needs to call the bank

Rudolphian · 12/09/2020 11:45

We got a letter through the post inviting us to join a study. With lots of details on what would happen.
We didnt get a phone call.

SentientAndCognisant · 12/09/2020 11:45

Scam
There would not be an unsolicited approach by phone
There was a research trial with imperial college,they wrote to individuals and sought consent
There is no compulsion to participate and no one. just be informed they are in a trial
The scam usually payment for courier and or kit

Original poster
QuestionableMouse · 12/09/2020 11:45

I'm not sure but will find out. Heading to theirs now.

I'll post a copy of the letter ASAP to see if anyone recognises it.

OP posts:
Original poster
QuestionableMouse · 12/09/2020 11:46

@Rudolphian

We got a letter through the post inviting us to join a study. With lots of details on what would happen. We didnt get a phone call.
That sounds like what he got. It's the fact that he spoke to an American woman when he rang that's really set the alarm bells ringing for me.
OP posts:
Hoppinggreen · 12/09/2020 11:46

Mils 75 year old partner has been contacted to say the same but as far as I know they haven’t asked for any money or anything
He’s diabetic, does your dad have any health issues OP?

SentientAndCognisant · 12/09/2020 11:47

It’s a scam
No one can be opted in to a research trial without their consent
And contact wouldn’t be by telephone

Rudolphian · 12/09/2020 11:48

We didn't go ahead with it so cant remember if we had to phone up or not.

HighwayCat · 12/09/2020 11:48

There’s an ipsos Mori research study with Imperial College. Two of us have had letters and I’ve then registered for it online but there was also a phone number to call if you didn’t want to register online. Hopefully it’s something like that.

iklboo · 12/09/2020 11:48

If he's been asked to pay for the kit / admin fee it's definitely a scam.

cheesecurdsandgravy · 12/09/2020 11:49

Ipsos Mori tests are being booked in in by an American call centre. We had it too.

LittleTiger007 · 12/09/2020 11:49

I hope and pray he hasn’t given bank details.

SentientAndCognisant · 12/09/2020 11:50

There is a trial in England letters sent to seek consent for participants
People are selected from GP list and need to consent to participate
Contact by phone should ring alarm it’s a scam

cheesecurdsandgravy · 12/09/2020 11:50

Post a letter, I’ll see how it compares to mine :)

Oysterbabe · 12/09/2020 11:50

What exactly has he provided them with?

RandomUser3049 · 12/09/2020 11:52

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

cheesecurdsandgravy · 12/09/2020 11:53

During the call they asked for names, email and home addresses and contact telephone numbers.

I don’t think they asked for DoB and definitely didn’t ask for bank details. I remember at the time thinking “is this legit” and being prepared to hang up if they asked for DoB, Bank details or anything else that felt weird. But that was it, they then pass those details to the local team member who administers the tests.

BlueJava · 12/09/2020 11:56

My DP takes part in a Covid-19 study, but there is no money involved he just fills in forms about his health, takes a regular Covid-19 test and has done blood tests too. If you need more details I will ask him how he was asked to take part etc - just @ me.

Darkestseasonofall · 12/09/2020 11:57

I had the same thing, it's absolutely genuine and is being led by the ONS along with Oxford Uni. Various swabs over the course of a year, get paid about £500 for participating.

WanderingMilly · 12/09/2020 11:58

My sister had the option to do the trial, it comes by letter and you can have the kit delivered, I think some of it involves a visit and other bits are done by yourself. It's legit.

However, there's no bank details involved, it's all free, if they've asked for bank details or payments it's a scam. If not, it could be perfectly fine....

Original poster
QuestionableMouse · 12/09/2020 12:31

Right I've seen the letter and feel slightly better. They didn't ask for bank details.

To be worried he's fallen for a scam?
To be worried he's fallen for a scam?
OP posts:
iklboo · 12/09/2020 12:32

Ah that one's ok. DH has done that one but we registered online.

TwixTwixtwoo · 12/09/2020 12:33

I had a letter, had NHS and Imperial College London headers, inviting me to take part in a study. There is a number to call and it says it's a short survey asking health and Covid symptom related questions and then a test will be sent to me through the post. It looks legit, I haven't responded but if it's the same letter I don't think it necessarily anything to worry about OP, hope not anyway.

TwixTwixtwoo · 12/09/2020 12:34

Cross posted, that's the one, glad you're feeling reassured OP Smile