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Original poster

Possible scam test and trace message

24 replies

JaceLancs · 19/01/2022 09:31

I have received 2 text messages saying I have been in contact with someone with Covid and need to isolate for 10 days unless exempt
I do not and have never had the tracing app as due to my job employer advised us not to!
I am fully vaccinated so have the passport app and nothing is showing on there
More important the only time I have left the house this last week is to go to work and none of my colleagues have Covid
I am testing negative on LFT and have no symptoms
I am not risking clicking links in the messages as they may contain a virus of the other sort!!!
Anyone else had similar?

OP posts:
Original poster
JaceLancs · 19/01/2022 09:32

Forgot to say even the 10 days isolation is now wrong so that makes me more suspicious

OP posts:
Cookerhood · 19/01/2022 09:34

Maybe include a screenshot of the message?

BernardsarenotalwaysSaints · 19/01/2022 09:37

Is it from a number or NHStracing (appearing as I've written it) with blank details when you click on it? It doesn't sound legit but if you're concerned 119 should be able to verify it for you.

LutherRalph1 · 19/01/2022 09:39

My legit message from
Being close contact with my husband also said 10 days unless exempt. But don't click if you don't trust it

givememykeys · 19/01/2022 09:43

Can you post so we can see the links?

Original poster
JaceLancs · 19/01/2022 13:49

Sadly I have deleted and blocked if I get another one will post it with personal details removed

OP posts:
Rosiestraws · 19/01/2022 13:56

i had this and I assumed it was fake and did the same but found out later it was legitimate as i was contacted by my friend who advised me that they'd given them my name etc and so it was the way track and trace contact you if you've been a close contact. Could it be someone at work does have covid or had it but not told anyone and HR have passed on your details?

Mine was admittedly a few months ago when the 10 days period was correct though.. not sure if they've changed that but I would assume they've not as the default position is unvaxxed have to do this and then the whole "unless exempt" would cover your position of just needing to go ahead and do lateral flows etc

HappenstanceMarmite · 19/01/2022 14:11

Is it like these two (different numbers) that I received? I also thought they were a scam 🤷🏻‍♀️

Possible scam test and trace message
Possible scam test and trace message
bagofconkers · 19/01/2022 14:14

You would get a text message if someone had given your mobile number when listing their close contacts - you don't need to have the app installed as it's nothing to do with the app.

Impossible to say if it's a scam or not without seeing what the links in the message were.

bagofconkers · 19/01/2022 14:15

@HappenstanceMarmite those definitely look like scams, going by the URLs.

Cookerhood · 19/01/2022 14:27

Scam, no-one tells you to get an omicron test kit.

Original poster
JaceLancs · 19/01/2022 14:58

Not like those messages I’m afraid
I only work in a small office environment and no one has Covid at present so can’t be through that
I’m wondering if it’s genuine it could even be malicious as have not been in contact with anyone - I did have to end someone’s employment a while ago under difficult circumstances it could be connected

OP posts:
Original poster
JaceLancs · 19/01/2022 14:59

Someone could have even given my number out by mistake eg one wrong digit

OP posts:
HappenstanceMarmite · 19/01/2022 17:17

Thanks @bagofconkers and @Cookerhood. That’s what alerted me - the flogging test kit part 😏

feeona123 · 19/01/2022 17:34

This is a test and trace message. It is still 10 days of isolation. It’s only less if you test negative.

Possible scam test and trace message
dementedpixie · 19/01/2022 18:00

The standard isolation period is still 10 days. It's only less than that if you get 2 negative tests. Cant say they were a scam without seeing the messages

ginslinger · 19/01/2022 18:03

it wouldn't say Omicron - it's a scam

EveryFlightBeginsWithAFall · 19/01/2022 18:03

If someone knows you well enough to give your number surely they'd message you to let you know they'd done it

I'd ignore them

dementedpixie · 19/01/2022 18:04

@ginslinger

it wouldn't say Omicron - it's a scam
That not the OPs messages although I do agree that those particular messages are a scam
ginslinger · 19/01/2022 18:06

oh I'm a dimwit and should read things properly - as you were everyone

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 19/01/2022 18:45

@feeona123

This is a test and trace message. It is still 10 days of isolation. It’s only less if you test negative.
Interestingly mine sent on 9th Jan from NHStracing didn't say 10 days and I know for sure mine wasn't a scam.
Possible scam test and trace message
feeona123 · 19/01/2022 19:16

This was from my daughter’s test and trace and was sent 29th December.

SandyStarfish · 21/01/2022 07:47

I work for T&T. If we do not have DOB or the correct spelling if name of contact provided from the positive case, we cannot check vaccine status. We then try to ring to get the missing info. If no answer we have to assume the contact is unvaccinated and send them an SMS to isolate. We ring them again over another shift so they have another opportunity to answer. We have to err on the side of caution, unvaccinated until proven otherwise. But if you are vaccinated and no symptoms, you won't get into trouble for ignoring the SMS, as you will be exempt.

Original poster
JaceLancs · 21/01/2022 09:00

That’s really helpful @SandyStarfish
I’m vaccinated and doing daily LFTs with no symptoms so assumed exempt
No one has rung me yet either

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