Nicola Sturgeon slammed "despicable" scammers trying to trick Scots into paying for Covid contact tracing.
The cruel con involves criminals claiming to be members of the NHS Test and Protect service.
The Record reported last week how fraudsters were telling people they’d been in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19. The caller says they'll send a home test kit and asks for bank details.
At today's regular coronavirus briefing, Sturgeon said: "We have become aware that some fake callers are pretending to work for Test and Protect and are trying to con people by claiming payment is needed for a test."
Sturgeon said: "Sadly this reminds us there are always a small number of people, it’s a tiny minority but nevertheless they’re there, who will try to exploit any situation they can to defraud people.
"It is truly and utterly despicable, particularly in a time of crisis we are going through."
Sturgeon said Covid tests are free and "will always be free" as she reminded Scots to hang up if they're approached for cash.
Test and Protect will never ask for bank details or try to sell anything. Contact tracers will text first and will only ask for details about who people have been in contact with, and where.
There is also an option to phone back if anyone wants to verify the service.
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of support service Advice Direct Scotland, said: "These sickening scams are deeply worrying. It is disgusting that criminals are seeking to exploit a health pandemic to take advantage of vulnerable people.
"Consumers should never provide their bank details to a cold-caller and should hang up if someone claiming to be from Test and Protect asks for money as they will never do this."
He added: "We urge everyone in Scotland to be cautious Anyone with concerns about a potential scam, or who believes they may have fallen for a scam, can contact our advisers who will be able to help."
